INTERNATIONAL TRIPS 2012-20913

Machu Picchu Trek

Day 1 Arrival in Peru (Lima to Cusco)

Upon arrival in Lima you will be assisted with your domestic flight to Cusco. We will be staying at the La Casona hotel, which is a restored colonical mansion, one of the finest in Cusco. In the afternoon, accompanied by a guide we will tour the city and relax. Dining at one of the many fine restaurants in Cusco.

Day 2 Tour Cusco

Today we will tour the many archeological sites beginning with the Colonial Cathedral, followed by Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Evening meals either at the La Casona hotel or in Cusco.

Day 3 The Sacred Valley of the Inca

Today we drive to the village of Pisac and visit its local market. Afternoon lunch is at the beautiful Huayocari Hacienda restaurant. Afterwards we tour the impressive Ollantaytambo with its fortress,, temples, and inca streets and terraces. Evening is spent at the Orient-Express Rio Sagrado Hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4 The Inca Trail begins

After an early breakfast you will be picked up by your guide for the drive to Piskacuchu (8856 feet), where you will begin the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After some hiking along the shoreline of the Urubamba River you will climb to the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (8900 ft), where you will arrive at your already established camp. All luggage, including your personal luggage, is carried by porters who also establish and set the camp prior to your arrival.

Day 5 Cloud Forests and High Peaks

We get an early rise and after breakfast set out to tackle the most difficult section of the Inca Trail. We begin with a steep 9km climb, which peaks at Warmihuausca (Dead Woman Pass at 13,776 feet). After crossing DWP you will enter a beautiful cloud forest and descend into the Pacamayo Valley (11800 feet). We camp here among the wild flowers and alpacas. Hot showers, meals and a comfortable bed await you after an approximate day of 7 hours hiking.

Day 6 Archeological Inca Ruins

Today we get another early start on what is generally the longest day of hiking. From Pacamayo you will climb to the Abra Runkurkay pass (13,200 feet) which has specacular views of the surrounding Andes before descending down towards the black Lagoon and continuing on to Sayacmarca. This is one of the best preserved archeological complexes along the entire Inca Trail. We pass through a few other imporessive sites before arriving at our camp.

Day 7 Machu Picchu at Dawn

This is the fourth and final day of the Inca Trail trek. It is a short day of hiking. We get up quite early in order to hike up from our camp to Intipunku (The Sun Gate) in time for an impressive sun rise over Machu Picchu. This hike takes one hour and follows an ancient Inca path constructed from flat stones. Upon arrival at Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardian”. We will then have a guided tour of the complex and the remainder of the day to explore before your bus takes you to your hotel. You will be staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with its luxuarious rooms and villas set in the lush greenery.

Day 8 First-Class Train back to Cusco

Today you can spend at your leisure, perhaps returning early to the ruins for further exploration before the large tour groups arrive. In the late afternoon you will have a private transfer to the train station where you board the Hiram Bingham Orient-Express train back to Cusco. Dinner will be on board and upon arrival in Cusco there will be a private transfer to your hotel……………Hotel La Casona?

Day 9 Depart Peru

After a relaxed breakfast and a morning spent at your leisure you will have a private transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Lima. Depending on your travel plans you may be departing Lima in the evening or if you wish you will be escorted to your hotel for the night and a day tour of Lima will be provided...

Day 10 extra day for rest or weather or sight seeing

This Tour Itinerary is fully customizable. We can customize and tailor-make your trip to suit your specific needs and desires-whatever they may be.

Due to environmental constraints and park regulations there are no lodge on the Inca Trail. All overnight accommodation is in comfortable and spacious tents. We will provide hot water for washing and showers as often as we are able. Our primary concerns are with your safety and comfort. This tour has been carefully constructed in a style that will ensure your well-being and provide you with the best of food and accommodation available while still providing you with the flexibility to spend your vacation time as you wish.

Approximate suggested price for two: $4899.00 per person

Includes:
Five nights at select luxury hotels
Three nights camping
Train from Machu Picchu to Cuscobr /> Inca Trail staff, guides, cooks and MASSEUSE
All camping gear AND WINE
Dining, cooking, toilet and shower tents
All intermediate transfers and entrance fees
All domestic ground transfers

Not included: Domestic flights
Airport taxes
Meals in Cusco or areas not stated
Gratuity to staff and guides
International flights