Adventure

OVERVIEW:

The classic Inca Trail is Peru’s best-known trek in the world, 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 danger 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 45,000 kms annexed the actual countries of Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina by an 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 coast 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 is 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 before starting the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit other interesting places such as a 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 includes 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 the walk, km 82, we will make a short break in Ollantaytambo to have 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 riverbank while getting some information about the archaeological 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 steps; 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 ecosystem 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 04:30 am, 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 archaeological site on your own (go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings, or climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panoramic picture). A bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes.

Here you can soak away your aches and pains 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 on 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 leaf 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 leaf tea, which is excellent for the altitude.
• Camping equipment (professional two-person 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 crackers).
•  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 at the bottom of the mountain of Machu Picchu; normally, 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, they should pay a new entry fee to Machu Picchu and a bus ticket too.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING:

• Backpack for medium to large with rain shelter.
• Sleeping bag (in case you do not have one, you can rent one in Cusco).
• Suitable shoes for trekking
• Raincoat (may be purchased in Cusco).
• Clothing for warm and cold climates, 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 a towel.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
• Camera (wrapped in a 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 a copy of the 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 sent by 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. Except in February, when the Inca Trail is closed throughout the month. In February, you can visit Machu Picchu by train or walking; we have one of the old walking alternatives we have. It 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 who wants 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 are no available quotas, no agency can get space for the Inca Trail.

RECOMMENDED 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 higher comfort while at camp, warm clothes, including jacket, fleece. 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 an 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’s 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 to 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 (an 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, the Inca Trail lies in the forest.

CONDITIONS & TERMS:

• Please note that the program deposit is nonrefundable. The deposit is used to purchase the entrance ticket 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 before departure or during the trip (except for 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 a sleeping bag and mattresses, unless they have 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, you must be prepared for eventualities such as headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and 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 for at least two days we will be outside of any care you may want).
• You must be in Cusco at least 2 days before the departure date for the Inca Trail. This is 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.
• All clients must 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 of force majeure, 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 incurred 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 on 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 us by email, phone, or msm.