INCA TRAIL ITINERARY
5 Days/4 Nights
Hike Day 1 (12 km.): Day 1, (12 km). START INKA TRAIL AT 82 KM.- HUAYLLABAMBA
A spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca (Happy river) side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba which in Quechua means “grassy plain” (3,000 m.) the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp.
MEALS: B, L, DImportant Note: Day hikes can be 7 hours and up, including lunches and visits to archaeological sites.
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| Llaqtapata terraces | Camp site on Inca trail |
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Hike Day 2, (11km): HUAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYO
Climbing up from Huayllabamba for about 3 hours through the woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line 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 Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. 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 Pacaymayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.
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| Inca trail | Huarmihuañusca Pass or Death Woman’s Pass |
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Hike Day 3, (16km): PACAYMAYO – WIŃAY WAYNA
From Pacaymayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo 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 we’ll do very slowly. 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 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.
We have to backtrack a little to rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.
From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest 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 (6,271m) 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 leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) we descend a thousand or so steps.
After about an hour of walking through cloud forest we may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it will probably take us another 2 hours until we arrive.
The Trekkers Hostal certainly isn't considered one of Peru's best-looking hotels. It is also usually crowded, but it is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu, hence it's always full. There is, however, a restaurant where you can purchase food, drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers and toilets. Trekkers on the Classic 4-day trek will camp here.
We will visit 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.
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| Sayacmarca - Inaccessible Town | Near Phuyupatamarca - Town in the Clouds |
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Hike Day 4, (6km): WIŃAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU
The trail from the hostal to Machu Picchu takes about 1½ hours. We are going to wake up very early in the morning (4.30am) so that we can leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the afternoon a bus takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where we will stay overnight, check-in the hotel, and everyone should go to the Baths for a hot soak, is just a blessing after all the hiking, you’ll feel much better after that.
O’N Aguas Calientes Hotel Machu Picchu Inn or similar
MEALS: B. |
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| Machu Picchu – View From Sun Gate | Wayna Picchu Mountain |
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“Important Note: Our campsites will be designated by the Park Authorities once the pre-payment for the entrance fees are done, occasionally they may change.”
Hike Day 5, MACHU PICCHU/WAYNA PICCHU
We’ll take the bus back to Machu Picchu early in the morning to continue exploring the city and hike the Wayna Picchu Mountain (optional).
In the afternoon we will take the train back to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel.
MEALS: B
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| Huayna Picchu Terraces and Stairs | Machu Picchu View from Huayna Picchu Moutain |
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EXTENSION TO TITICACA LAKE - PUNO
3 Days/2 Nights
Jun/26 Fri - Day 6:
Private car to Puno, in the way will visit RAQCHI and others. The evidences indicate that Raqchi was a complex village with multiple constructions for various purposes; including farming terraces, "kanchas" (palaces), "wayranas" (buildings having only 3 walls), "qolqas" (storehouses), different shrines, religious water fountains, etc. Possibly, it was an important "tambo" in the route toward the "Collasuyo". The most important building within the complex is the WIRAQOCHA TEMPLE
Lunch in a nice restaurant on the route.
Also we’ll stop at reservations of Vicuñas and Alpacas (Andean Cameloids) herds to take pictures.
Near Puno, we may also visit the ruins of Sillustani which have Inca and Pre-Inca constructions that belonged to the Tiahuanaco culture developed in Bolivia.
Bus will transfer us to the Taypikala hotelin Chucuito.
'N Taypikala hotel in Puno.
MEALS: B, L
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| WIRACOCHA TEMPLE "RAQCHI” | SILLUSTANI |
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Jun/27 Sat - Day 7
Breakfast and bus to take the boat to visit the floating islands of Uros on the highest navigable lake of the world the Titicaca Lake, we will continue to visit Taquile Island a natural island, people are still living in their millenarian traditions, the guide will share information about their social life, costumes, their beliefs, Pacha Mama - Mother Earth, Mama Qocha – Mother Lake or Sea
Lunch in a nice restaurant at Taquile Island (optional vegetarian lunch).
We return to Uros Islands where we’ll stay overnight.
Night talk by the guide pointing out the constellations of the Milky Way - "Mayu".
You will stay overnight at the floating Uros island in a family house. You will have a little house for yourself, it is very simple, you sleep on the reeds and in a sleeping bag that we will provide you, food will be what they eat, they cook for the whole family and they will share with you. This will be a unique experience that will give you an opportunity to interact with the families an experience life as they been doing for hundreds of years, feel the feminine energy of the lake and nurture your whole being.
Late in the afternoon you will join the Uros fisherman, who will show you how put the fishing nets near the islands, as they’ve been doing for centuries since this is one of the main sources for their survival.
O’N UROS ISLAND
MEALS: B, L, D
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| UROS FLOATING ISLANDS | TAQUILE ISLAND |
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Jun/28 Sun - Day 8:
After breakfast we will interact with the Uros families and thereafter return to Puno.
PM: Visit to Temple of Fertility, we will share the knowledge of the Sacred Alchemy, phallic cult, etc.
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| UROS HOUSE | |
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| TEMPLE OF FERTILITY - CHUCUITO |
Jun/29 Mon - Day 9:
Tour to Aramu Muro a huge mysterious door-like structure has recently been discovered in the Hayu Marca mountain region of Southern Peru. Hayu Marca, 35 kilometers from the city of Puno has long been revered by local Indians as the "City of the Gods",
The door, or the "Puerta de Hayu Marca" (Gate of the Gods/Spirits) has been at some time in the distant past carved out of a natural rock face and in all measures exactly seven meters in height by seven meters in width with a smaller alcove in the center at the base, which measures in at just under two meters in height.
There is a legend that spoke of "A gateway to the lands of the gods", and in that legend it was said that in times long past, great heroes had gone to join their gods and passed through the gate for a glorious new life of immortality, and on rare occasions those men returned for a short time with their gods to "inspect all the lands in the kingdom" through the gate.
Another legend tells of the time when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Peru, and looted gold and precious stones from the Inca tribes - and one Incan priest of the temple of the seven rays named Aramu Muro fled from his temple with a sacred golden disk known as "The key of the gods of the seven rays", and hid in the mountains of Hayu Marca. He eventually came upon the doorway which was being watched by shaman priests. He showed them the key of the gods and a ritual was performed with the conclusion of a magical occurrence initiated by the golden disk which opened the portal, and according to the legend blue light did emanate from a tunnel inside.
The priest Aramu Muro handed the golden disk to the shaman and then passed through the portal "never to be seen again". Archeologists have observed a small hand sized circular depression on the right hand side of the small entranceway, and have theorized that this is where a small disk could be placed and held by the rock.
According to some individuals who have laid their hands on the small door, a feeling of energy flowing has been commented on, as well as strange experiences such as visions of stars, columns of fire and the sounds of unusual rhythmic music.
Others have said that they have perceived tunnels on the interior of the structure.
Late in the afternoon Transfer to the airport at Juliaca to take the flight to Lima, upon arrival group stays at the airport for the flight back home, unless other arrangements are made, we can book extra night/s in a hotel in Lima and other services.
MEALS: B
O’N Hotel Casa Andina Miraflores – Lima
MEALS: B,L
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| ARAMU MURO – DIMENSIONAL DOORWAY |
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End of our services
TOUR PRICE:
PRICES ARE GOOD FOR GROUPS OF 5 PERSONS AND UP, INCLUDE THE 19 % PERUVIAN TAXES. IF THE GROUP IS MINOR THAN 5 PERSONS PRICE WILL BE ADJUSTED ACCORDING THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.
SERVICE IS IN PRIVATE.
- 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS TOUR
DBL US $ 730.- p/p
SGL US $ 810.-
- 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS DBL US $ 620.- p/p
SGL US $ 710.-
Extension to Titicaca Lake – Puno 4 days/3 nights
DBL US $ 685.-
SGL US $ 780.-
INCA TRAIL INCLUDES
-Transportation to head of the Inca trail
-Entrance ticket to Inca Trail.
-Igloo tents on double occupancy and single if requested or booked for the whole journey.
- Camping equipment, mattresses one per person.
- Kitchen tent.
- Dining tent.
- Tables and chairs.
-Meals as specified in the above itinerary.
-Daily snack bag for the hike.
-Daily afternoon tea service.
-Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
-Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
-General Porters (carry tents and cooking equipment)
-Cook
-Professional English speaking guide for the 4 days hike and 2nd day in Machu Picchu if service includes the 5th day.
-Bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
-Second day entrance fee if service includes the 5th Day.
-Second day bus tkts Aguas Caliente/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes if service includes the 5th Day.
-Train ticket back to Cusco in Vistadome (First or A class)
-Hotel Machu Picchu Inn or similar in Aguas Calientes in double and single accommodation available.
-Transfer train station to the hotel
Not included
-Lunch day 4th in Machu Picchu (on your own).
-Meals not described on the itinerary for day 5, if service includes the 5th day.
-Entrance fee for the hot springs.
-Tips to the crew (tour leader, guides, cooks, porters, drivers, etc.)
-Hotel accommodation in Cusco
EXTRA SERVICES:
-Sleeping Bag Rental should be requested in advance.
-Single Tent: If you prefer to have guaranteed single tent there is an additional charge.
-Vegetarian food available on request.
-Extra porter for your personal items is also available on request
-Hotel in Cusco can be arranged upon request.
YOU SHOULD BRING
-Personal sleeping bag
-Back pack, trekking shoes
-Water bottle for the first day (after boiled water will be provided)
-Personal clothing for trek, long pants, long sleeved shirts and T-shirts.
-Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
-Rain gear.
-Camera, batteries.
-Flashlight and batteries.
-Insect repellent and sun block.
-Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
-A pocketknife.
-A water bottle and purified pills.
-Plenty of socks and underwear.
-Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
-Towel.
-Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
-Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines until we arrive to Machu Picchu).
-Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
-Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).
MEALS
- Breakfast, varies from day to day and can include:
- Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
- Pancakes or bread (with butter/jam)
- Eggs (fried, omelet) or Fruit. - Lunch includes:
- soup
- Main entree (spaghetti or rice with veggies and meat)
- Tea or coffee - Dinner Includes:
-Soup
-Main entrée (fish or chicken accompanied by potatoes, rice or other. with vegetables
Important note:
- This service can also be provided in 4 Days/3 Nights returning to Cusco the 4th day in the afternoon without the extra night in Aguas Calientes and the extra day in Machu Picchu.
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 250.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.
Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. We recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop you from taking the trip.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and others, tour guides, all ground transportation as listed in itinerary once you arrive in Cusco arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.
NOT INCLUDED: Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, tour leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, airfare to/from Lima/Peru is not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 45 days prior 30 % and less than 30 days will be charged 50 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS. WAIVER: I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys, from all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates.
I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.
Any questions or additional information please feel free to contact:
Romulo Castilla
Peruvian Magic Journeys
H/O Phone in USA: 310-893-9280
Cell Phone in Peru: 011-51-84-9888954
H/O Phone in Peru: 001-51-84-245252
romuloc@ca.rr.com
info@peruvianmagic.com
www.peruvianmagic.com
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