Cusco & Classic Inca Trail 8 days / 7 nights
HIGHLIGHTS : Cusco Maras – Moray Cusco Huayllabamba Pacaymayo Wiñaywayna Aguas Calientes Machupicchu.
Overview
- Day 1 : Arrive in Cusco / PM City tour
- Day 2 : Maras – Moray
- Day 3 : Cusco – Wayllabamba (Inca Trail Begins)
- Day 4 : Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
- Day 5 : Pacaymayo – Wiñayhuayna
- Day 6 : Wiñayhuayna – Machupicchu
- Day 7 : Free Day
- Day 8 : Cusco – Lima
Itinerary
Arrive in Cusco / PM City tour
Upon arrival at the Cusco airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the morning will be at your leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a half day tour of Cusco, visiting the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the legendary Qoricancha, the most important religious center in the Inca time, a temple devoted to worshiping the Sun deity. Your tour includes also the visit to some nearby archaeological sites such as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman; the religious site of Q’enqo; the ancient site of Puca Pucara and finally the water temple of Tambomachay.
Include: Transport, professional tour guide, entrance fees to all sites visited, chosen hotel.
Maras – Moray
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel to start a half day tour, you will head out on the road that crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas to reach the important Moray archeological site (3176m/10419ft), where enormous circular and Pre-Incan semi-circular agricultural terraces were constructed to be used as a botanical laboratory for experimenting on plant domestication and foreign crop acclimatization. The area is so large that at least 3000 plant varieties, including potatoes and corn, could have been grown. Next, Maras is located about 4 km from Moray, and is the site of pre-Inca salineras (salt ponds). Each terraced pond is polygonal in shape; salty water emerges from an underground spring, flows into the ponds, and evaporates with the sun. The Maras’ salt mines are still active today and maintained cooperatively by the Maras community. The white salt ponds contrast with the green hills and mountains that surround the mines and the views of the Sacred Valley from here are amazing. The tour will end in the early afternoon at your Cusco’s down town.
Include: Transport, professional tour guide, entrance fees to all sites visited, chosen hotel.
Cusco – Wayllabamba (Inca Trail Begins)
Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
Include: Transport, professional tour guide, porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment), cooker, Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee, meals (01L, 01D), camping equipment (tents), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
Include: Professional tour guide, porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment), cooker, Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee, meals (01B, 01L, 01D), camping equipment (tents), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Pacaymayo – Wiñayhuayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
Include: Professional tour guide, porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment), cooker, Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee, meals (01B, 01L, 01D), camping equipment (tents), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Wiñayhuayna – Machupicchu
On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñayhuayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day and also it has and additional cost), visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to Ollantaytambo where we expect our driver to take us back to Cusco.
Include: Professional tour guide, Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee, meals (01B), first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, bus ticket Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes, Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, transfer train station-hotel included only if returning on day 4.
Free Day
Free day in Cusco for relax.
Cusco – Lima
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima or your next destination.
Include: Transport hotel – airport.
PRICES
PRICE PER PERSON - ONLY TOURS: US$ 660.00*
(*) In this option, the price includes only TOURS, the client books the hotels on his/her own.
PRICE PER PERSON TOURS + HOTELS **
(**) In this option, prices include TOURS + HOTELS, the price depends of hotel’s category and type of chosen room.
RATES 2020
CUSCO |
* |
SINGLE |
DOUBLE |
TRIPLE |
---|---|---|---|---|
ANDEAN HOME HS |
2 |
$792.00 |
$743.00 |
$731.00 |
AMARU HS |
3 |
$849.00 |
$783.00 |
$767.00 |
ARCANGEL |
2 |
$896.00 |
$815.00 |
$783.00 |
SAN AGUSTIN INTERNACIONAL |
3 |
$943.00 |
$813.00 |
$786.00 |
ANDENES AL CIELO |
3 |
$990.00 |
$849.00 |
$833.00 |
TIERRA VIVA |
3 |
$990.00 |
$849.00 |
$849.00 |
PRICES PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS |
- Single: A room with one individual bed (01 person)
- Double: A room with two individual beds or one matrimonial bed (02 people)
- Triple: A room with three individual beds (03 people)
Example: If you choose the option with ANDEAN HOME HS:
• If you are 1 person, the type of accommodation would be a single or individual room, in which case the price would be US$792.00 for tours and hotel.
• If you are 2 people, the type of accommodation would be a double or matrimonial room, in which case the price per person would be US$743, the total price for the 2 people would be US$1486.00 for tours and hotel.
• If you are 3 people, the type of accommodation would be a triple room, in which case the price per person would be US$731.00, the total price for the 3 people would be US$2193.00 for tours and hotel.
PRICE INFORMATION
- Prices based on two people at least. There is an additional cost for single travelers. Please make an inquiry about it.
- Prices based in group service. If you prefer a private service, please make an inquiry about it
- Discounts for students, teenagers, and children are available. Please make an inquiry about it.
IMPORTANT
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu: The entrance ticket to the Inca Trail considered in the program, includes the entrance to the citadel of Machupicchu, but does not include the entrance to the mountains like Huaynapicchu or Montaña. Please make an inquiry for the additional cost of each of them.
- Hotels: Should there be no availability at the booking time at the chosen hotel, another option of similar category and cost will be provided.
- Trains: Train tickets are subject to availability. Should there be no spaces at the booking time on the scheduled train and route, available options will be provided with the new prices and schedules.
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic air tickets (*).
- Airport taxes or visa fees.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic beverages or bottled water.
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Snacks.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Laundry.
- Phone calls, radio calls or messages.
- Other items of personal nature.
- Tips
- Extra expenses originated in itinerary changes or others due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond PERU ANDEAN EXPLORER’S control
(*) Before buying your domestic air tickets, please let us know your schedules to avoid changes in your itinerary.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu: US$ 65.00 per person.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu + Montaña: US$ 65.00 per person.
- Extra porter – Inca Trail (12 kg): US$135.00
- Upgrade to vistadome train: US$40.00 per person.
- Dinner show buffet in Cusco (Don Antonio): US$ 25.00 per person.
- Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes (Totos House): US$ 28.00 per person.
- Buffet lunch in Machupicchu (Sanctuary Lodge): US$ 40.00 per person.
FLIGHT TICKETS
- International flights from/to your country and domestic flights. Please contact us to check our fares.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING
- Clothing: long trousers, shorts (Machupicchu visit), long and short-sleeved T-shirts or shirts, cotton socks, warm clothes for Cusco, especially at night.
- Rain gear or poncho (you can buy a basic one in Cusco), especially if visiting in the months November to April
- Comfortable footwear, trekking boots recommended
- Camera, films (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, cold and rain
- Sun block (high factor)
- Sunglasses
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - no malaria risk has been reported
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) or water bottle to carry water on outings
- Cash in soles and/or US$ for extras (souvenirs, beverages, etc)
- Original passport and passport photocopies*
(*) According to the Peruvian government policies, the passport must be valid at least up to 6 months after the end date of the tours. Otherwise you could not board your international flight. Please check the expiration date of your passport before buying your international national flight tickets.
Talk to an expert
We are here to talk about your questions or queries
Otherwise, email us anytime. On average we provide quotes within 3 hours, but we try to answer you as soon as possible
Privately guided trips allow you to be in control of all the details of your trip - departure times, accommodations, extra nights, extra activities, extra experiences - what you want and how you want it.
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