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Day by day…
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is blessed with warm weather and a rich variety of crops. Crops here are grown upon large agricultural terraces built into the sides of the mountains called Andenes. This region produces the best quality and largest variety of corn in all of Peru; and it is exported all over the world. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountain peaks and natural hot springs fountains, which are fed by volcanic activity present in the region. With multiple archaeological sites along the way, this route leads us to the most important archaeological site in Peru: Machu Picchu.
Day 1: CUZCO – THERMAL BATHS OF LARES - HUACAHUASI
We will make an early departure from Cusco, the capital city of the Incas (3350 m.a.s.l.), by private bus and head to Huancahuasi. Along the way, we will see a number of archaeological sites, small villages with typical artisan markets, and a variety of regional crops along the Urubamba River. We will arrive at the town of Calca (2940 m.a.s.l.), and from there we will leave the main road and continue our trip onward to Huacahuasi (4400 m.a.s.l.). We will descend into the Lares Valley, and then just few minutes outside of Lares we will find the natural hot springs of Lares (3200 m.a.s.l.), where we will enjoy the fantastic swimming pools with water at varying temperatures between 28ºC and 35ºC. After lunch, we will start our hike to Huacahuasi (4400 m.a.s.l.). In the evening, we will make camp for night. Please note that the temperature falls dramatically after dark.
Duration: 5 hours by bus / 3 hours hiking
Day 2: HUACAHUASI – ABRA DE EPSAY – PATACANCHA
After a good breakfast, we will begin our 4-hour hiking trip toward the Epsay Pass (4400 m.a.s.l.). Along the way, we will encounter a number of small local villages that still maintain ancient traditions handed down generation after generation. We will have lunch right next to the Ispaycocha Lagoon, while we enjoy a wonderful view of the Verónica glacier (5750 m.a.s.l.). After lunch, we will continue onward to Condor Pass (4100 m.a.s.l.). From this spot, we will be able to admire animals like alpacas, llamas and vicuñas. Then, we will descend to Pacacancha (3800 m.a.s.l.), where we will settle in and make camp for the night.
Duration: 7 hours
Day 3: PATACANCHA - WILLOQ - OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
We will continue our descent via an ancient Inca path that will take us to the ruins of Puma Marca. We will take a break for lunch at Willoq (3800 m.a.s.l.). We will make a short visit to the Puma Marca archeological site (3400 m.a.s.l.), which is known for its Inca walls with their zigzag shape used for defence and to protect the city of Ollantaytmabo. Our trip will continue along the Paracahncha River and arrive at the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo (2850 m.a.s.l.). We will visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, and then take the afternoon train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Night at the Presidente Hotel**
Duration: 4 hours
Day 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (TRAIN)
Machu Picchu was discovered by the American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that this Inca citadel was constructed in the middle of the 15th century. Nowadays, there are different hypotheses about the purpose of the almost inaccessible sanctuary-city of Machu Picchu. A military post?; A hidden city for the virgins of the Sun?; A place to rest?. All of it is still an enigma.
We will make an early departure at 06:30, and take a bus up from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will dedicate this day to a guided visit of the sanctuary-city. After lunch, we will take the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes and connect with the train to Cusco. We will arrive back in Cusco at approximately 20:20. From the Cusco train station, we will take a private bus to your hotel.
Only lunch is included
Suggestion: It is possible climb to the peak of Huayna Picchu, though the climb up can be quite difficult. It is essential to have good hiking shoes, and not to carry heavy backpacks. People who suffer from vertigo should NOT make the climb. From the top of Huayna Picchu, we will enjoy an awesome view of Machu Picchu. The climb up and down Huayna Picchu takes approximately two hours. Another less ambitious trip is a short hike up to the Inkti Punktu (“Sun Gate”), which connects the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – this beautiful hike ends in a great view overlooking the sanctuary-city of Machu Picchu and it takes only about an hour to make the roundtrip.
Note 1: Train schedules are confirmed at time of reservation Note: Campsites may vary according to climate and/or the state of health of our clients.
Included:
Transport and subsequent transfers from your hotel in Cusco, English speaking guide, food during the treks, mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment, ropes), transport of collective equipment (by porters), entrance fees to national parks and Machu Picchu, train Aguascalientes – Cusco in economic class, shuttle at Aguascalientes to Machu Picchu.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights; Hotels in Cusco; Airport tax ($28 per person); Food purchases in the towns not included in the trek (food costs approximately $8 per person in a good restaurant). Personal equipment is also NOT included, such as a sleeping bag rated to –10˚ C; Mattresses; Hiking/Walking shoes; Helmut with light; Pick; Crampons, etc. These items CAN be rented.
Note: Personal insurance is obligatory.
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