INCA TRAIL + PERU AFFORDABLE
(17 days/16 nights)
This tour includes all the main archaeological cities in Peru. Lima, Paracas
national reserve, Nazca lines, Colca canyon Titikaka lake and Amazing Inca Trail
to Machupicchu, always surrounded by incredible natural environments.
Day 01 LIMA
Reception in the Lima airport and transfer to your Hotel (located in Miraflores).
Day 02 LIMA CITY TOUR
Breakfast, In the morning, Lima city tour (half day). You will be picked up from
your hotel at 09 a.m. The city tour begins with a visit to the Plaza the Armas,
which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Running along two sides
are arcades with shops: Portal de Escribanos and Portal de Botoneros. In the
center of the Plaza is a bronze fountain dating back to 1560. Located in the
Plaza is the Cathedral, note the splendidly carved stalls, the silver covered
altars surrounded by fine woodwork, mosaic covered walls bearing the coat of
arms of Lima and Pizarro. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace. Then
you will visit the Monastery of San Francisco. This is famous for the Sivillian
tilework and paneled ceiling in the cloisters, the catacombs under the church
and part of the monastery are well worth seeing. You will visit the old colonial
streets in the center of the city, and the modern Lima with the district of San
Isidro and Miraflores. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03 RN PARACAS AND BALLESTAS ISLAND
Breakfast, transfer to the bus station at 4:00 Hr. for your trip to Paracas,
upon arrival transfer to the mole of "El Chaco" where you'll take a motorboat
excursion to the Ballestas island. This islands are spectacular, eroded into
numerous arches and caves, which provide shelter for thousands of seabirds, some
of which are very rare, and seas lions. The islands are known as "the Galapagos
of Peru". Then we will do our excursion to RN Paracas of about 3 hours. Paracas
is one of the best marine reserves, with the highest concentration of marine
birds. In the afternoon transfer to to the Bus station, then trip to Nazca,
transfer to your hotel (breakfast)
Day 04 NAZCA LINES AREQUIPA
Breakfast, the tour to the famous Nazca lines. Cut into the stony desert are
large number of lines, not only parallels and geometrical figures, but also
designs such as a dog, an enormous monkey, a bird with a wing span of over 100
meters, a spider and a tree. The lines, that represent some sort of vast
astronomical pre-Inca calendar, are best seen from the air, we will take a half
hour flight above the Lines then you'll visit to the Chauchilla cementery, where
skulls, mummies and pottery shards littering the desert. At 22:00Hr. you'll take
the motor coach Royal class to Arequipa. Over night onboard. (Breakfast)
Day 05 AREQUIPA CITY TOUR
You'll arrive early in the morning to Arequipa (6:00 am) transfer to your hotel.
Around 15:00Hr. you'll take the Arequipa half day city tour that includes the
visit at the Santa Catarina monastery The city has fine spanish buildings and
many old and interesting churches built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic
material almost exclusevely used in the construction of Arequipa. The Santa
Catalina Convent is by far the most remarkable sight, opened in 1970 after 4
centuries of mistery. afternoon at leisure, overnight (Breakfast).
Day 06 COLCA CANYON
You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00 am. Leave Arequipa towards nor
west direcction behind snow-covered Chachani, Yura, small valley with thermal
springs, see wild vicuñas in Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, alpacas and llamas
in Tocra, some bidrs like flamingoes, ibis, andean gooze, ducks, andean eagle "Kara
Kara" view point of the Volcanoes and snow covered mountains in Patapampa (4,800
m. - 15,000 ft.). See the Ampato, Sabancaya, Walca Walca, etc. Chivay, capital
of the valley. Afternoon visit to the termal springs and pools in La Calera. (Admission
to the pools not included, about $2 per person). Overnight at your Hotel. (Breakfast).
Day 07 COLCA CANYON
Early morning after breakfast leave for a full day excursion in the left shore,
beautiful tipical towns, like Yanque & Maca, colonial churches, gently people
with tipical needlework dresses, hundreds of pre inca terraces still in use with
andean growings like corn, qinua, kiwicha (Amaranto), etc. Lookout of The Cross
of the Condor: see the deep of the canyon and if we have good the flight of the
Condor. Stone scale models, some pre inca graves. (Time for lunch). Return to
Arequipa around 18:00 hrs. Overnight at your Hotel. * Take note that not all the
way towards the Colca is asphalt paving . (Breakfast).
Day 08 PUNO
Breakfast. Transfer to the Bus Station where you will take the Bus to Puno.
Reception in Puno Bus Station and transfer to the Hotel. In the afternoon visit
at the Sillustani Chullpas (pre-Colombian funeral towers). The scenery is desert
but impressive, in a beautiful setting on a peninsula on lake Ayumara about 32
Km. from Puno. Most of the towers date from the period of Inca occupation in the
15th century, the engineering involved in their construction is more complex
than anything the Incas built. Overnight . (B)
Day 09 UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS
You will be picked up from your hotel at 06:40 Hr. after a 2 hour motorboat ride,
you will arrive at the Uros island in the Titikaka lake. Fishermen and hunters
inhabit the floating islands of the Uros. The residents of the Uros use the
cattail, a type of rush, which grows in the lake, to create the conditions that
ensure the islands stay afloat. The dense roots that the plants develop support
the island. The roofs are waterproof and the houses are extremely humid because
of the surrounding water. At present, they speak Quechua and Aymara. Then we
will visit the Taquile island, where we will have lunch in the cooperative
restaurant. There is also a cooperative shop on the plaza that sells exceptional
wool goods which are of very fine quality and somewhat expensive. Taquile Island
is famous for its craft production, particularly for its beautiful textiles. The
island is narrow at about 1 Km. wide and 6 to 7 Km. long. The visit could be
exhausting because of the 533 steps on the stone stairway to climb to get to the
village and because of the altitude (13,000 ft above sea level). On Taquile
there are numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins as well as Inca terracing. We will
return in Puno in the afternoon, overnight at your Hotel.
Day 10 PUNO - CUSCO
Early breakfast and transfer to the bus station so you can take the ride to
Cusco. Depart Puno on guided bus to Cusco, visiting on the route picturesque
towns and archeological sites such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya
and Pukara. Buffet Lunch included. Afternoon arrival in Cusco, reception and
transfer to your accommodation. Overnight at the hotel.
*Additional fare of US$200.00 if travelling by train. Ask for availability.
Day 11 CUSCO CITY TOUR
Breakfast, Morning at leisure. Cusco City Tour From 14:00 to 18:30 Hr. This tour
includes the Qoricancha (temple of the sun). The tour drives along the
Circunvalacion Road up to famous fortress of Sacsahuaman, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara
and Tambomachay Including Spanish and English speaking guide. Include Tourist
ticket valid for the entrance to many museums and ruins as well. (Breakfast)
Day 12 SACRED VALLEY TOUR
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 08:45Hr. Full day excursion to the Urubamba
Valley visiting: the village of Pisac, a picturesque town of creole and colonial
aspect and its lndian market and craftfair. Lunch provided. In the afternoon
you'll visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an architectural group that in
the days of the Tahuantinsuyo empire was a gigantic agricultural, administrative,
social, religious and military complex, then the Chincero market. At the end,
return to Cusco at 18:30Hr. (Breakfast, Buffet Lunch)
DAY 13 INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
Cusco to Wayllabamba 12km (Inca Trail)
Between 5:00-05:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel and travel by private
bus bus to Piskacuchu (2700m) which is a small community located 82 along the
railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu (also known simply as km82). Buses normally
stop at the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley for about an hour or so to
give people the opportunity to have breakfast.
Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs
steeply up from the river. After passing through the small village of Miskay,
the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the
mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). It is a simple descent down to
the Cusichaca river. From parts of this trail there are great views of the
Cordillera Urubamba and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m. You'll also get
a great view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as
Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata 2750m means 'upper town' in Quechua and was
first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural
station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas.
The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and
soldiers, including five baths.
For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small
village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. This
is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks.
DAY 14 Wayllabamba to Pacamayo 12km (Inca Trail)
We will wake up at about 6:00 am and afetr breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba
behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek. Following the left bank of
the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to 'Tres Piedres' (three
stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. The stream is named after
the Huayruro which is an ornamental tree. It's seeds are red and black. Many of
the porters from the Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because
of their traditional red and black ponchos! A little further on you'll enter a
beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall.
A further three hours trek through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular
terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa
(3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the
trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. Once at the top
hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.
The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on
the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite
at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.
DAY 15 Pacamayo to Winay Wayna 15km (Inca Trail)
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and most interesting due to
the many Inca ruins that we will visit along the way.
From the campsite at Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of
Runkuracay (3800m). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position
overlooking the Pacamayo valley below.
Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de
Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of
the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the
steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till
the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone
embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass
you'll arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m) by way of a superbly designed stone
staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the
position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No
one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
From then on the path descends into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids,
hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca
tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.
The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers
excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and
Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most
impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the
ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used
for the ritual worship of water.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase you descend a thousand or so
steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the
day.
After about an hour of walking through cloudforest you may just be able to see
the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it probably won't
be for another 2 hours until you arrive.
Wiñay Wayna is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a
restaurant where you can purchase drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well
as hot showers ($1.5) and toilet facilities.
A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay
Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of
pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural
terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good
quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was
probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual
cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail
to Machu Picchu.
DAY 16 Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu 5km (Inca Trail)
We'll wake early at 4.15am, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by
5.15am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by
5:30am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7:00am. The
trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloudforest before coming to an
almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku
(Sun Gate). From this point you will be able to see sunrise over Machu Picchu
which is spread out before, an unforgettable experience.
From Intipunku we will descend for about 40 minutes to Machu Picchu. When you
arrive at the ruins you'll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu
from the classic view point. Most groups wait at this point for a while so most
of your photos should be 'tourist free'. When the group is back together again
we descend to the main entrance where we will have to register and where you can
safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a
quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. With just your daypack
on the group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of
the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about 10:30 you'll have
free time to explore the ruins alone.
We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas
Calientes by 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart
every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty
of time at the ruins to climb Wayna Picchu (the mountain that you see in the
background). It takes about 1 hour to climb and 40 minutes to descend. Most
people, however, leave the ruins at about 13:30 and return to Aguas Calientes
for lunch (at the ruins there is only one restaurant and it's very expensive).
There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets.
You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel
great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs costs US$2, allow 2
hours to really enjoy them. Then we will take our train to Cusco and then
transfer to your hotel.
What is included:
Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees (value US$73)
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 3-person capacity tent with plenty of space for
your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit,
avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and
suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for
the altitude.
Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our porters and cooks
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
What is not included:
Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast
service. If not, we stop at the town of Urubamba on the way to the start on the
trek where you'll have the opportunity to have breakfast,
Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.
Extra Porter to carry your things. (US$ 120.00)
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3.50
Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
What you need to bring/carry:
Backpack,
Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few
dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of
clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be
bought in local pharmacies in Cusco) Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream),
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the
trek - entrance not included in price)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC
card (if claiming a student discount)
DAY 17 CUSCO-LIMA
Breakfast. Transfer the airport where we'll take the flight back to Lima (AIRFARE
INCLUDED). END OUR SERVICES.
Price per person US$ 1445.00 based on double room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 1610.00 based on single room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 2 starts hotels: (Basic Class)
Lima: "Regency or similar Hotel"
Nazca: "Mirador de Nazca or Camilu Hotel"
Arequipa: "Santa Martha or Las Torres de Ugarte Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “La Pascana or Posada Chivay Hotel”
Puno: "Tumi Inn or Vargas Inn Hotel"
Cusco: "Ayllu Real or similar Hotel"
Price per person US$ 1536.00 based on double room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 1776.00 based on single room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 3 starts hotels: (Tourist Class)
Lima: "The Place, Santa Cruz or Soul Mate Inn Hotel"
Nazca: "Oro Viejo or Don Gaucho Hotel"
Arequipa: "Tierra Sur or Casa de Melgar Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “Pozo del Cielo or Collahua Hotel”
Puno: "Conde de Lemos Inn or Casona Plaza Hotel"
Cusco: "Prisma or Villandre Hotel"
Price per person US$ 1600.00 based on double room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 1850.00 based on single room and Expedition tourists
train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 3 starts hotels: (Tourist Class)
Lima: "The Place, Santa Cruz or Soul Mate Inn Hotel"
Nazca: "Oro Viejo or Don Gaucho Hotel"
Arequipa: "Tierra Sur or Casa de Melgar Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “Pozo del Cielo or Collahua Hotel”
Puno: "Conde de Lemos Inn or Casona Plaza Hotel"
Cusco: "Sueños del Inca, Rumi Punku, Royal Inca or Garcilaso Hotel"
Aditional for first class VistaDome Train US $ 15.00
Price per person US$ 1886.00 based on double room and first class
VistaDome train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 2427.00 based on single room and first class
VistaDome Train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 4 starts hotels: (First Class)
Lima: "Jose Antonio, San Agustin Exclusive or Sonesta Posada del Inca
Miraflores Hotel"
Nazca: "Nazca Lines Hotel"
Arequipa: "Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “Colca Lodge Hotel”
Puno: "Jose Antonio, Eco Inn or Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno Hotel"
Cusco: "Jose Antonio, Eco Inn, Sonesta Posada del Inca Cusco Hotel"
Price per person US$ 2013.00 based on double room and first class
VistaDome train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 2674.00 based on single room and first class
VistaDome Train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 4 starts hotels: (First Class)
Lima: "Jose Antonio, San Agustin Exclusive or Sonesta Posada del Inca
Miraflores Hotel"
Nazca: "Nazca Lines Hotel"
Arequipa: "Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “Colca Lodge Hotel”
Puno: "Jose Antonio, Eco Inn or Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno Hotel"
Cusco: "Novotel or Picoaga Hotel"
Price per person US$ 2993.00 based on double room and first class
VistaDome train from Machupicchu.
Price per person US$ 4464.00 based on single room and first class
VistaDome Train from Machupicchu.
Included Following 5 starts hotels: (Luxury Class)
Lima: "Libertador Westin Lima or Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton Lima
Hotel"
Nazca: "Majoro Hotel"
Arequipa: "Libertador Arequipa Hotel”
Colca Canyon: “Las Casitas del Colca Hotel”
Puno: "Libertador Isla Esteves Hotel"
Cusco: "Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco Hotel"
INCLUDED: All hotel and lodge accommodations. All scheduled transportation. All transfers. All scheduled excursions with English-speaking guide services. All entrance fees. Meals and domestic airfares as specified in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED: International airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.
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