Adventure

OVERVIEW:

The classic Inca Trail is Peru’s best known treks in the word combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. It preserves different ecological zones and extraordinary habitat for thousands of wild animals some of them in dangerous of extinction; among them the spectacled bear and the Andean Condor. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The Inca Trail was a perfect road system that began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucuman – Argentina. The Inca trail with its 45,000kms annexed the actual countries of Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina by extraordinary road system that crossed the mountain ranges of the Andes, with peak altitudes of more than 5000m. As well the Inca trail through the cost that ran parallel to the sea and was linked with many smaller routes. The Incas built a vast network of roads to be able to communicate with the four regions of their huge empire. Currently there are remains of the Qhapaqñan throughout Peru that are still used to this day by local farmers sometimes accompanied by pack animals.

The Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a mountainous jungle trek leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45 km trek it´s usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

The Inca trail it´s rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to starting the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit other interesting places such as City tour that includes the Cathedral, the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Qoriqancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay also you can visit the marvelous sacred valley of the Incas that included the picturesque colonial town of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

• Timing: 4 days and 3 nights
• Start point: Cusco hotel
• Finish point: Cusco hotel

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – YUNCACHIMPA.

We will leave from Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 05:30 am. by a tourist bus heading for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach our starting point of walk, km 82, we will make a short break in Ollantaytambo for having the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inca Trail is called km 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration facilities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the following days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), the camping site we will spend the night in. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.

• Level of difficulty: moderate.
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
• Total distance: 11km approx.
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 2: YUNCACHIMPA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA PASS – PACAYMAYU – RUNKURAKAY PASS – CHAQUICOCHA.

The second day is the ¨Free Hike Day¨; that means, everybody should walk in his/her own pace; of course you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3 km are step enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds. From Llulluchapampa follow the way for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayo (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you can relax your body from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.

• Level of difficulty: challenge.
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours.
• Total distance: 15 km approx.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA.

The third day, is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca («Town above the clouds») (3600m/11811f). A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna («Forever young») (2650m/8694ft). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red roofed white building, our last camping site and also a location with hot water (S5) and bottled drinks.

• Level of difficulty: normal, unforgettable (easy)
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Total distance: 10 km approx.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO.

Before sunrise, about 04:30am, after our breakfast, we will head equipped with our flashlights to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take you almost one hour before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874ft) around 08:00 am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings.

After this tour, you will have enough time to explore the archeological site on your own (go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus take you down to Aguas Calientes.

Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs (S/. 10). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

• Level of difficulty: normal, unique (easy).
• Hiking time: 2-3 hours.
• Total distance: 7 km approx.
• Meals: Breakfast.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

•  Transfer arrival or departure in Cusco.
•  Private Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Km 82.
• Transfer from the train station in Cusco to your hotel.
• Entrance fees to the Inca Trail.
• Entrance fees at the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Poroy) or Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
•  3 Breakfasts / 3 Lunches / 3 Dinners.
•  Professional bilingual Guide (English – Spanish).
•  Bus ticket going downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station is situated.
•  Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea which is excellent for the altitude. Porters (carry only camp Camping equipment Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea which is excellent for the altitude.
• Camping equipment (professional two-persons tents: Doite, model Cima 4, extra light/4kg, Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg and Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs, a sanitary tent).
• Tea and snack time every day (tea, coffee, wantan, popcorn, and cracker).
•  Porters to carry the main luggage (all the equipment and cooking stock).
• First aid kit.
• Oxygen bottle.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first day / lunch and last dinner in Aguas Calientes town.
• Tips for porters, cookers and guides.
• Sleeping bag (if you don’t have a sleeping bag there is the possibility of renting one for US$ 30.00 per 4 days).

OPTIONAL:

• Personal porter for four days of walking
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes additional
• Sleeping Bag
• Return in Vistadome (First Class)

Aguas Calientes is a small town with restaurants and hotels is at the bottom gives the mountain of Machu Picchu, it is normal that a traveler wishes to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. Generally this option can be taken, when they want to visit Machu Picchu for the second time. If the travelers want to visit again, should to pay a new entry to Machu Picchu and Bus ticket too.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING:

• Backpack for medium to large with rain shelter.
• Sleeping bag (in case you have not, you can rent one in Cusco).
• Suitable shoes for trekking
• Raincoat (may be purchased in Cusco).
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, rain pants and        Lightweight pants.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and Hot Springs).
• Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Long and short sleeved polo´s/T-Shirts.
• Rain poncho and a hat.
•  Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Flashlight (we recommend two pairs of batteries).
• Sunscreen and insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel.
• Some snacks like Chocolate bars and dry fruits, sweets, etc.
• Personal things and towel.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), batteries, etc.
• Since the weather can be very cold, your clothes once gotten wet won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

IMPORTANT:

With International Student Card (ISIC GREEN). You have a discount of $ 20.00. You must send copy of card by email before applying for entry to the Inca Trail. If you cannot provide us with a scan of your ISIC card; we will charge you the standard adult trek price. Bring your student card with you on the Inca Trail, as it will be checked several times by government officials. Unfortunately, no other forms of student identity are acceptable.

For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will give you a pre-departure briefing (you will meet your guide and group in our office, for an orientation meeting at 19:00 hrs. the evening before the trip begins.

PAYMENT DETAILS:

For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; we require a non-refundable trek Prepayment (50%) of the total per person.

The deposit can be send by a WESTERN UNION or to our BANK ACCOUNT money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. You can pay the rest of the money before reaching the starting date of the tour or once you arrive in Cusco, you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour in our office.

We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

We accept credit cards (VISA) + 8.5%

DATES:

We have groups for the Inca Trail every day of the year. Least February when the Inca Trail is closed throughout the month. The months of February you can visit Machu Picchu by train or walking cleaves one of the old walking alternatives we have. More is not possible to walk the Inca Trail.

AVAILABILITY:

They allowed only 500 people per day Inca Trail. This number includes tourists, guides, porters and cooks. The quotas are for everyone, people who want to do the Inca Trail. So to walk the Inca Trail is essential to book months in advance.

The availability of quotas for the Inca Trail is the same for all agencies. Thus, if there were available no agency can get space for the Inca Trail.

RECOMENDED THINGS TO TAKE:

Sleeping bag, one liter of water, rain gear or poncho (plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco), hiking boots (running shoes are not recommended), Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp, warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping, wind coat, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat, wool hat, flashlight, sun block, insect repellent, toilet paper, garbage bag, small towel, bathing suit (for hot springs), camera, extra batteries, snacks (such as chocolates, energy bars), emergency money, walking stick (optional) and personal things.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Visit to Wayna Picchu mountain: requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional $ 65.00 and then, we will guarantee your entrance for Wayna Picchu as well (This new State law  began since the 18th of July, 2011).

1. Extra porter: According to the law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Employment, the collaboration of an extra porter is given under the conditions the customer requires. However, the customer luggage mustn’t exceed 15 kg, since the porter is only allowed to carry 20 kg. The Service costs $ 140.00 and includes transport, entrance fee to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.

2. Tips: for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.

3. Camping sites: the camping sites on the Inca Trail can be different from the ones described in our itinerary (Yuncachimpa, Chaquicocha and Wiñaywayna). This is due to a limitation of the places (Wiñaywayna is almost always fully booked). The camping sites (especially Wiñaywayna) are well known with the public. Therefore they will book their places well in advance (certainly when you want to go in the high season from May to September you have to book months in advance). If there isn’t any place anymore, the Ministry of Culture (entity of the government which supervises and controls the availability of the quotas for entering the Inca Trail) will assign other camping sites (Wayllabamba, Pacaymayu and Phuyupatamarca).

4. Return ticket: We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 14:55hrs or at 18:45hrs. This depends on the ticket availability and on how far in advance you booked your trip. During the afternoon, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants in Aguas Calientes. Moreover, you can visit the Hot Springs to relax a bit. You will be back in your hotel either at about 18:00hrs or at about 22:00hrs.

5. Your health: It is a common misconception that because many people do the Inca Trail it must be easy. It is not. The Trail is 45km (26 miles) long and involves great physical exertion to complete. Combined with high altitude and extreme weather the trek can be hard work. Therefore we strongly recommend ensuring that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy. This way you will enjoy your trip from the beginning on. A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medicines.

6. Weather: The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November; the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, Inca Trail lies in the forested.

CONDITIONS & TERMS:

• Please note that the program deposit is nonrefundable. The deposit is used to purchase the ticket entrance to Machu Picchu and for booking the train ticket and hostels. Moreover, once a space is purchased it cannot be resold.
• Finders Peru, will not give any refunds if a participant decides to cancel the trip prior to departure or during the trip (except from the entrances to the archaeological sites and the bus/train tickets).
• If Finders Peru doesn’t confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded totally.
• All participants have to carry their own backpacks, including sleeping bag and mattresses unless they booked an extra porter or the service includes porters, horsemen or mules.
• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days and 3 nights is not a simple walk is an adventure for over 3,300 meters. The first day can be stressful for some people. Before this can have problems with altitude, must be prepared for eventualities how are you, headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath even vomiting.
• A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medicines (If you have any health problem that depends on some special attention, we recommend that you do not walk the Inca Trail because at least two days we will be outside of any care you may want).
• You must be in Cusco at least 2 days before departure date to the Inca Trail. This just to confirm their presence and also to make a basic acclimatization before starting the walk.
• All participants must bring their original passport and if available, their original student “ISIC” card.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client. Finders Peru can´t be accounted for any accident or loss of personal belongings the customer caused by his/her own.
• In case force majeure occurs, like impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside Finders Peru’s control like: extreme weather conditions, landslides, strikes not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route, etc. Finders Peru will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs derived will be at the expense of the client. In case none of these would be feasible, Finders Peru would refund all the money paid except all the incurred expenses so far.
• Everything that you don´t take the Inca Trail, can be left at our office in Cusco or the Hotel. Since our office has a warehouse.

If you have any questions or concerns about this program, come in contact with us by email, phone or msm.