Amazon Adventures

Peru

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

5 or 4 Days

Machu Picchu A complete network of interconnecting roads linked Cusco to its provinces and other kingdoms and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of that system. Today it has become the most famous and popular trek in South America due to the variety of attractions it offers. The trail route lies within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which was created by the government in 1981 to protect the natural beauty and the archaeological sites of this extraordinary area. This spectacular trail runs from high mountains down to cloud forest, passing through a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and bird life. The route is also studded with archaeological sites which lead the visitor to the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu.

Here's your chance to take the classic and popular Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with experienced , highly qualified guides! Because the trail was being trashed out every year by independent hikers and companies that were not practicing good ecological procedures, the government has eliminated independent hiking on the trail and has limited the number of authorized companies that can take groups on the trail. The government also increased fees and created other rules to try to improve the quality and preserve the ruins for future trekkers.

We offer you the choice of 4 or 5 day trips in either first or economy class.

" They were attentive, professional and efficient. The Trail guide was excellent. He
obviously loves his country and culture and was a fount of knowledge." David Ensign

"The trip was amazing. Everything was perfect. Our guide was awesome, the food and equipment were amazing, the porters were friendly and helpful. We couldn't have dreamed of better service." Beth Keller

Please note: The government is now restricting the number of people that can be on the trail, no matter which version they are doing. Because of this, they are requiring people to sign up at least 30 days in advance, with passport names and numbers, dates of birth and nationalities. Many dates next summer are already full, so try to plan well ahead. They are also considering raising the entrance fee to the trail quite a bit, so we are now quoting the fee separate from the cost of the trek

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 days /4 nights)

DAY 1 CUSCO/CHILLCA/PATALLACTA - Our vehicle takes us to Chillca, the starting point of our trek. The trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba river with views of Veronica mountain. In the afternoon a short hike from our camp to visit the ruins of Patallacta and the terracing at Quente.

DAY 2 PATALLACTA/LLULLUCHAPAMPA - A gentle walk takes us to the Indian community of HuayllabambaFrom here the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass where we camp. Breath-taking view of Mount Huayanay.

DAY 3 LLULLUCHAPAMPA/CHAKICOCHA - After a gradual uphill two hours hike. we reach Warmimanuska Pass (4,050mts /13,280ft). The trail then descends to Pacaymayo River, climbs slowly to the second pass where you'll have incredible views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Rangeand finally descends to Chakicocha where we camp. En route we visit Runkurakay and Sayacmarca ruins.

DAY 4 CHAKICOCHA/MACHU PICCHU - The flagstoned trail (this is an incredible 2 meter wide granite staircase, cut into solid bedrock) winds sharply down, into the cloud forest, visiting Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna ruins. A two hour hike will take us to Inti Puncu pass (the gate of the Sun) where we see the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu at our feet. Note: We usually camp at Machu Picchu but can arrange an overnight at the Turistas next to the ruins or any hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes.

DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU - A fascinating tour of temples, houses, terraces for growing crops and gardens is given at Machu Picchu. Words and pictures will never do justice to this truly magical place. Later in the afternoon return to CUSCO by train.

2007 Price: $869 with backpacker train, $892 with vistadome train. Single tent supplement, if requested: US$60. Discounts for 3 or more in your group

Departure Dates: Every day for first class, subject to minimum of 2 people.

Price Includes: a bi-lingual trip leader, maximum of 10 people (15 for budget) , 2 porters per person, 2-3 person tents, insolite mat per person. A sleeping bag may be rented for US $20 ONLY BY REQUEST. A mess tent, complete table service, chairs and tables (not for budget), kitchen set, special diet by request, latrine tent are provided. Meals are full board, including wine (not for budget) and other drinks. Other services included are private bus to starting point at Chillca, entrance fees to Inca trail and one day visit to Machu Picchu, bus ride from ruins to train station, train return to Cusco, transfer train station/hotel in Cusco.

"The services during the Inca Trail were also very nice. We were fed continuously and also appreciated the hot water to clean onself up when waking up. our guide was extremely nice and helful all the time. Her explanations about historical sites were very good." Luis Pedroza

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days /3 nights)

Day 1 - Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba - Our vehicle will take us to the trail head at Chilca. From here the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba river from where we will see beautiful views of snowcapped Veronica (5850m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of LIactapata before continuing along the Huayllabamba valley and camping that evening near the village of the same name.

Day 2- Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo - From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. After another two hours walking we reach the pass of Warmiwanuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo river where we will make our second camp.

Day 3- Pacaymayo / Winay Wayna - The trail now climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay from where we will be able to see the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca which have been recently restored. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone staircase past the ruins of Phuvupatamarca to Winay Wayna, where we will camp for the night.

Day 4- Winay Wayna / Machu Picchu - After about two hours walking we arrive at Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the citadel we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

2007 Price: $758. Single tent supplement, if requested: US$50. Discounts for 3 or more in your group
Budget class = $666 for Wed., Fri. Sat. departures, subject to minimum of 4 people. Monday departures available for $535, with single supplement of $60

budget class uses backpacker train, max. of 15 people and departures from March to December)

Departure Dates : any day with minimum of 2 people for first class. Mon., Wed., Fri. Sat. only for budget class

Suggested Package With 5 Day Trek

DAY 1 - arrive Lima and transfer to hotel.
DAY 2 - breakfast, transfer to airport, fly to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour
DAY 3 - breakfast, full day Sacred Valley tour, including lunch and Indian market
DAY 4 - breakfast, start trek
DAY 8 - return to Cuzco in late afternoon
DAY 9 - return to Lima and U.S. or start other tour options.

Have you heard about cheaper trips?

THE CHEAPIES INCA TRAIL TRIPS ADVERTISED IN CUSCO is a service WE DO NOT OFFER. They go in groups more than 15 people (normally more than 20) and for each group they take 4 porters (if group is of 15) or 5 porters (if group is of 20). Porters carry food and tents only, clients have to carry their sleeping bags and belongings.

FOOD: it is very poor - sardines, noodles, etc.
EQUIPMENT: they buy used equipment from other backpackers, so their tents are different models and colors and all of them very small. Several times our groups have had to help some people when it was raining because their tents were leaking. They had to sleep in our dining tent with our porters.

Inca Trail Info

On the Inca Trails System You Can Not:
1. alter, extract or damage the existing warning sign.
2. move stone elements of the Inca buildings.
3. walk on the Inca walls..
4. extract or collect species of flora.
5. hunt or capture species of Fauna.
6. destroy trees
7. buy any type of species of flora or wild fauna.
8. introduce Firewood to the trail system or to use like fuel any type of firewood.
9. use sky poles with metallic ends (it must have a soft cover: rubber).
10. smoke outside the indicated zones for camping.
11. cause disorder or disturbances that affect the tranquility of other tourists.
12. Throw away plastic bottles, Sweepings or any kind of rubbish
13. take pets during the route.

Weight Limits

During the trip we take porters for your convenience; they carry all the camping equipment, including tents for you, tents for our personnel, dining tent, tables and chairs (depending of the type of trip you have booked), food, part of your personal gear and other necessary equipment to make your camping experience comfortable.
The total weight of all above items are divided among of our camp personnel. Porters will carry 20 kilos (44.10 pounds) - it is the maximum allowed by law. To take more equipment from our side or more personal things from your side means more porters, then the costs are higher and consequently your trip would be more expensive. So we kindly ask to take just the necessary things for your 3 or 4 nights of camping.

After doing a research among of our traveller from 2001 to now, have concluded that you need to take around 7 kilos (15.50 pounds) average. So, please pack the necessary items in one duffle bag (we can provide one in Cusco without charge) and give to your guide, then he will give to the porters. The duffle bag you will get back as you as you arrive to the campsite. (during the hike you won't see the porters so make sure to take in your day pack the necessary things for the day).

If you spend an extra night at Machu Picchu

For people who spend extra night (s) in Machu Picchu and have things to use there (extra clothes, books, etc.) we suggest to send them to the hotel with our help. Please ask for more details when you are in Cusco.