Trip Dossier
Have you always dreamed of walking to Machu Picchu but found the thought of camping and hiking at altitude daunting? Due to the popularity of our ‘Beyond the Inca Trail’ tour, we have looked at ways of making this memorable trip more accessible. Thus we have devised this superb trip using top class
accommodation, including larger tents whilst camping, and a gradual acclimatisation programme.
Sandwiched between the driest desert and the largest rainforest in the world, the Andes of Peru contain some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery. Within these mountains ancient civilisations, of which the Incas are the most famous, built cities, temples and roadways (there are known to be more than 25,000km) using precision construction techniques that continue to baffle scientists today.
Enjoy several days in Cuzco visiting the numerous ruins and soaking up the atmosphere of this amazing Inca city before travelling to the Sacred Valley where you will be based in a rustic lodge with access to a variety of activities including walking, horse-riding, tennis, spa treatments and even paragliding! This also provides vital acclimatisation time before you embark on the Inca Trail.
This five-day itinerary allows time to explore and enjoy the amazing archaeological sites,
landscapes and nature along the trail. While some other programmes speed through the stunning high altitude
Inca Trail, you can take the time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. You camp for just
three nights, enjoy great meals and sturdy tents. You will walk for six to seven hours each day including
time to explore sites you pass through and to take in the unparalleled scenery. On the fourth afternoon
you will arrive at Machu Picchu after the crowds have left, and have time to explore the tranquil ruins. On
top of this you will then return to Machu Picchu to see the ruins in the early morning light the following
day. In the afternoon you return to Cusco by train. This specific itinerary is designed to offer a relaxed trek
and a deep understanding of Inca culture. Afterwards take the famous first class train over the altiplano
to Lake Titicaca where a fast boat brings you to Taquile Island, famous for a culture and lifestyle
unchanged over the centuries.
Using stylish accommodation throughout, often in historic hotels, this is the ideal way to experience this fascinating country with its many cultural sites and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Itinerary
Please note that due to the timetable of the Altiplano train from Cuzco to Puno which only runs three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) the itinerary may need to be changed in order to fit with the group departure dates of the trek and the train timetable. This may involve either allowing for an extra day in Cuzco or visiting the Sacred Valley after the trek.
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.
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 and transfer to your hotel which has been selected for its high standard of comfort, a feature of our ‘in style’ trips. Hotel, Lima.
Day 2
After a brief overnight stop in the busy capital of Lima you return to the airport and fly on up to Cuzco, the beautiful ancient capital of the Incas. The rest of the day will be yours to get used to the altitude and recover from the long journey. Your hotel is one of the finest in Cuzco, offering much comfort, and luxury. It is a grand, opulently furnished, colonial mansion, boasting Inca Foundations. Part of the building dates back to 16th century, when Francisco Pizarro was an occupant. It is right in the heart of the city, surrounded by magnificent Inca and colonial buildings. Hotel, Cuzco (3,300 Metres). B.
Day 3
An incredible blend of Inca and Spanish colonial buildings, colourful markets, cathedrals and a clear atmosphere gives Cuzco a unique feeling. After a morning to yourselves, you will be given a private guided tour of the city and the nearby Inca sites, helping you to acclimatise to the altitude of 3,300 metres and to learn about some of the extraordinary Inca culture. Hotel, Cuzco (3,300 Metres). B.
Day 4 and 5
This morning we leave Cuzco, to begin a fascinating private two day tour of the world renowned Sacred Valley, based in the Urubamba Valley. Over the next two days you will travel out to the wonders of the Sacred Valley, the pre-eminent cultural and adventure destination in South America, and home to a huge number of sites including Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras and the saltpans of Moray all of whom you will tour or walk to. The valley is lower than Cuzco and enjoys a mild climate within a dramatic setting of mountains and meadows. From your enchanting resort you can follow in the footsteps of the Incas trekking high into the mountains, bike to ancient salt pans, drink some local corn beer with the villagers, raft down the Urubamba river, watch a dramatic theatre presentation at night or witness the dazzling variety of hummingbirds during the day. You will be staying in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in an enchanting lodge. Its rustically elegant character evokes the traditions and style of the ancient valley, whilst providing exclusive accommodation and cuisine. Lodge, Sacred Valley. B.
Day 6
Today you start the Inca Trail! Transfer to the trailhead. You may meet up with other trekkers here joining you for the trek. From Chilca you take an undulating path, offering magnificent views of the
snow capped Mt Veronica, with the turbulent Urubamba river on the right. Along the trail, and for the
next few days you will get the opportunity to see a variety of indigenous birds and flowers, including
hummingbirds and orchids. The day finishes at your relaxing campsite at the impressive terraces of
Llaqtapata. You have the option of exploring further downstream to the outlying areas of this massive
ancient farming complex. Note: park authorities may designate different campsites than those indicated.
Camp, Llaqtapata. B, L, D.
Day 7
The day starts with a gentle climb into the mountains through the last inhibited village,
Huayllabamba, and then more steeply past a rushing stream through native polylepis woodland. Crossing
the rim of a small plateau, you find yourselves in the Puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes.
Tonight you camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowy peaks and valleys of the Huayanay
massif. Camp, Llulluchampa. B, L, D.
Day 8
Following a climb to the first and highest pass, Warmiwanusca (4200m/ 13,776ft), fantastic views
of the trail ahead are on offer, towards the second pass. Descending to the forested Pacamayo valley you
pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. At the second pass,
great views of the snowy peaks of the Pumasillo range can be seen. Descend to the ruins of
Sayacmarca, with an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas, and water channels, perched precariously on a
rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca Trail, now a built up structure of granite paving
stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colourful riot of orchids,
bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass you camp beneath an Inca viewing platform, overlooking
the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (cloud level town). Camp, Phuyupatamarca. B, L, D.
Day 9
Explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains, and stairways spilling down the
mountainside at Phuyupatamarca then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest.
An Inca stairway partly cut from the granite leads you to the site of Winay Wayna (Forever Young), the
largest and one of the most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon you follow the final stretch of
trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf
vegetation. Cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of
natural beauty, and human artistry- a back drop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical
city of Machu Picchu. You will be given as much time as you need to take in the magic that surrounds you
to explore this architectural masterpiece. Your hotel is situated only a short distance away right outside
the ruin’s walls, so when you can force yourself away, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort and fantastic views it has at its disposal. Please note that due to extremely limited availability tonight’s accommodation may be substituted to a high quality alternative in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Hotel, near Machu Picchu. B, L, D.
Day 10
No need to worry about having missed any part of the ruins as your day starts by returning to
Machu Picchu by bus. Spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the best-known
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 (limited numbers permitted, early visit
advised), while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners.
After a full day at this glorious monument of Inca achievement, you transfer to Aguas Calientes and board
the return Vistadome train to Cusco. Again you will be able to re-acquaint yourself with, and enjoy the
delights of your hotel. Hotel, Cusco. B.
Day 11
After an early breakfast, you embark on the spectacular, classic train journey crossing the high Altiplano to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, at an altitude of just under 4,000 metres. The first half is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains, towering over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then crosses the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where alpaca and vicuna can be seen. Once you have arrived you can further relax at your splendidly located hotel which is based right on the shores of Lake Titicaca with amazing views. Hotel, Puno. B, L.
Day 12
Lake Titicaca.
The Uros is a group of 42 floating islands just off Puno. The Uros originally created these artificial islands to escape the Inca, who dominated the mainland at the time; today they are a major tourist destination. Around 3,000 descendants of the Uros are alive today, although only a few hundred still live on and maintain the islands; most have moved to the mainland. The islands are made of totora reeds, which grow in the lake. The dense roots that the plants develop support the islands. They are anchored with ropes attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. The reeds at the bottoms of the islands rot away fairly quickly, so new reeds are added to the top to compensate. Each island lasts about 30 years. The larger islands house about 10 families, while smaller ones, only about 30 meters wide, house only two or three. Taquile Island is one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful spots in all of Peru. Located some 2 ½ hours by fast boat from Puno, it is only 4 kilometres long and on average 1 kilometre wide but supports a population of almost 2,000 Taquileños. The island has several archaeological sites dating from the Tiahuanaco culture. But it is the culture of the people living here today that makes Taquile so interesting; a culture far removed from our own and distinct from the rest of Peru. Taquile is known for the extremely high quality of the sophisticated weaving, practised from a young age by both men and women. The islanders spin, knit and weave whenever they have a free moment in the busy agricultural calendar.
By taking the fast boat from Puno out to the islands you have an opportunity to explore the many trails and to experience an island lifestyle unchanged in centuries. Others will join you in the boat but you will have your own private guide. Be prepared for intense sun and perhaps a very cold wind on the boat – take good quality sun protection and, just in case, plenty of warm clothing. Hotel, Puno. B.
Day 13
You will generally have a little time in the morning to shop in the markets of Puno (depending on internal flight times) before flying back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel, located in the cosmopolitan district of Miraflores. Hotel, Lima. B.
Day 14
Today there is the choice of joining an optional city tour or exploring the city by yourself before transferring to the airport and flying out. B.
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