2011 Price: $2,295 per person, land package only
Single Supplement: $450
2011 Dates: Sep 11, Sep 21, Sep 26, Oct 08, Nov 05, Dec 03, Dec 24
or Any day on request for 2 people or more
2012 Dates: Any day on request for 2 people or more
Solo Traveler Trip Available Jan 19**
**Solo Traveler Departure (single rooms except on Inca Trail). Please add $100 for single accommodation.
Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on one of the world's oldest pilgrimages. The 4-day Inca Trail is an exciting high mountain experience where we climb up to 4200 meters, passing glacier covered peaks and descending into lush green cloudforest. To acclimatize for the trek, spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, exploring ruins and bargaining at busy Andean markets.
Day 1 : Arrive Lima
Day 2 : Fly to Cusco
An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas move back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The morning is yours to explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, we tour Cusco's traditional markets talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. Afterwards, we head off to the old neighborhood of San Blas and a possible visit to a local artisan's workshop.
Day 3 : Cusco Free Day
Today is free to relax and explore on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, wander through Cusco's busy center, shop in local markets and just people watch in the Plaza de Armas. Many adventure tours are offered as well. The night is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.
Day 4 : Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is an area full of major Inca ruins and ancient villages. We visit the Pisac market for local tapestries, explore the Pisac ruins, and take a two-hour walk through the countryside near the village of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Tonight, relax and sip wine in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo as you prepare for your trek on the Inca Trail.
Days 5-7 : Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail
Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as we journey along their ancient route to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and our friendly crew of guides and porters take great care of us along the way.
Trek Details:
Day 5 - KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA -- Trek length: 7.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 9,840 ft
Day 6 - WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYO -- Trek length: 7.5 miles (5-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,000 ft.
Day 7 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCA --Trek length: 7 miles (5-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 11,930 ft
Day 8 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU -- Trek length: 8.1 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft
Day 8 : Descend 3,000 feet from our campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Explore the ruins and continue to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins.
Day 9 : Machu Picchu/Cusco
Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 10 : Fly Lima and Return Home
Included:
- 6 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
- 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- 8 Days of guide service
- Porters for camping gear and packs while on trail
- Camping gear EXCEPT for sleeping bags
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Roundtrip flight Lima-Cusco-Lima (approx $425, subject to change)
- Any increase to entrance fees/permits
- International departure tax ($43)
- Allow $160 for meals not included
- Optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Is this trip for me?
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins, a rural pueblo and a vibrant colonial city. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult four-day hike so travelers should be fit.