INCA TRAIL TREK 2011

Best time: All Year(Except february)
Timing: 4 days Tours
Grade: Moderate

Day 01 – Cusco / Km 82 / Wayllabamba
An early start for your Inca Trail Adventure. Our guide will collect you from your hotel between 05:00am to 06:00am (time will be confirmed at your trek briefing) and we drive for about 2 ½ hours to the start point of the trek. On the way we’ll stop at Ollantaytambo and the guide will take you to a nice restaurant where you have breakfast (breakfast not included in trek price). After a good breakfast we’ll continue on to KM 82 (2600m /  8528ft) where we can start hiking the Inca Trail.
We´ll begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along the left bank of the river as it flows northwest.  Following the trail along flat terrain for a short time before climbing steadily up the Kusichaca River Valley.  The trail will take us up to a high lookout at 2950m / 9676ft where we can see across the valley to the impressive Incan City of Llactapata below.  We’ll then continue upwards to reach our first campsite in the community of Wayllabamba at an altitude of 3000m / 9840ft
Meals Included: Lunch , Dinner
Total distance:  12 km (7.5 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 02 – Wayllabamba / Pacaymayo
Today is the hardest day. We’ll start early to avoid the heat later in the day and we advise you to carry extra water, sweets, chocolate ( maybe some coca leaves to chew) to keep your energy level high and help with the altitude on this day.  We’ll have a long steep climb on a winding path to the top of the first high mountain pass of the trek  Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass) at a breathtaking altitude of 4200m / 13776ft. We may well see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on the nearby ichu (a type of grass which is one of the few plants that grow at this high altitude).
We’ll also cross an area of cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and also the Andean bear. We stop on the pass to admire the spectacular mountain views and then enjoy the long descent into the Pacaymayo Valley where we’ll set up camp (3600m / 11808ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Total distance:  11 km (6.8 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)

Day 03 – Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna
A day to marvel at the many Inca Constructions we’ll pass by.  We’ll have an early breakfast again, then continue hiking upwards once more, first coming to the small Inca site of Runkuracay (3800m / 12464ft). After looking around the ruins, we’ll climb for another 2 hours to reach the Qochapata pass (3900m / 12792ft) where the landscape opens up for expansive views of the snowy peaks of the Pumasillo Range. Then we’ll descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular constructions, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we’ll pass through an Inca Tunnel – a remarkable feat of ancient engineering given the tools at their disposal!  Finally, we’ll arrive at the top of yet another pass Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). From here we’ll descend to visit the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Then we have to descend down many stone Inca steps which lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to our camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Total distance:  16 km (9.9 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)

Day 04 – Wiñay wayna / Machu Picchu
We wake up at 04:00, have an early breakfast and then climb for about an hour to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this fabulous spot we can see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu below us 2400 m (7872 ft).  From the Sungate we’ll descend towards Machu Picchu, entering the city through the “House of the Guardians” around 40 minutes later.  This is the high point of the Machu Picchu complex and from here we’ll continue to the control point where we have to register and leave our backpacks. We can then enjoy a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain from where one can enjoy spectacular views of the whole of Machu Picchu and the valleys and mountains that surround it; or visit the Temple of the Moon and the impressive Inca Bridge below.  In the afternoon, we’ll meet in the town of Aguas Calientes and you’ll have a chance to take a swim at the famous baths near the town. In the late afternoon we’ll take the train back to the city of Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (Your guide will arrange the bus to Aguas Calientes and confirm the train departure time with you)
Arrival time in Cusco will depend on the train schedule, but it is generally between 08:30pm and 09:30pm
Meals Included: Breakfast
Total distance:  4 km (2.5 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

Inca Trail Permits sell out months in advance.
It is important to book your trek early to avoid disappointment.
For a complete detail contact us to info@peruviantreks.com 

Best time: All year
Timing: 5 days Trek
Grade: Moderate

Salcantay peak is the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba (6,264m/20,574ft), part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco. It is only the 38th highest peak in the Andes, and the twelfth highest in Peru, but because of the low surrounding area, it is the second most topographically prominent peak in the country after Huascarán and a challenging climb.

Many Inca trails lace the fabled Cordillera Vilcabamba, the steep green mountains that surround Machu Picchu.  Our special route follows a traditional but seldom traveled Inca trail leading up from the Urubamba River past remote ruins, then higher still into breathtaking alpine reaches where we have some of the most glorious views and campsites in the Andes all to ourselves.

TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco - Soraypampa
We will leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m in our own private bus, and drive to Mollepata. Along the four and a half hour drive, we can see the town of Limatambo (2100 masl), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. We will leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac river, to reach Mollepata (2800 masl) where we will have our breakfast. Hereafter we arrange the equipment on horses. After our breakfast we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac river canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a community irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will have our lunch, we will depart at around 1:30 p.m in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 masl). After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salcantay.

Day 02: Soraypampa - Collpapampa.
After an early breakfast we’ll start trekking from Soraypampa at approx 7:30 a.m hiking across the peruvian highlands for 3 hours before starting our ascent to the Apacheta pass 4,650 mts.  Here we’ll continue on a gentle climb that crosses through puna (high dry grassland). From this point we can appreciate spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) and the second highest peak in the Cuzco region.  From here we’ll also be able to see the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, bright white rivers, small lakes and moraines. From the Apacheta Pass we’ll head dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then continue downwards for a further 2-3 hours to Camp in Chaullay.

Day 03: Collpapampa - La Playa
Wake up to some lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. We will start the trek at 07:00 AM.  3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will encounter a high Jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva", here we will see a stark contrast in flora and fauna with exotic birds, bright tropical flowers and plenty of coca and banana crops.  Here we’ll stop to take a shower in a lovely waterfall, take amazing pictures.  With luck we’ll even see the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas".  Later we’ll stop at Wiñaypoq’o for lunch and enjoy some free time to rest. At the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields. The hike will last approximately 9 hours; the campsite is at the community named "La Playa "(2400 masl).

Day 04: La Playa - Aguas Calientes(06.30 hours aprox. Time of hike)
From La Playa we’ll take local transportation for approximately 20 minutes to Lucma ( or just hike if local transport isn’t available), from here we start our climb of about 03 hours to Llactapata ( newly discovery Inca Site ) which is famous for a “great condor view of Machu Picchu”, then we’ll enjoy our packed lunch before hiking down hill for about 2.30 hours to the Hydroelectric Station, where we should arrive by about 3:00 pm. From here we will take the local train to Aguas Calientes 45 minutes away.
You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs is a small fee of $US 3.00 and they’re open until 9pm.  Allow 3 hours to really enjoy them. In the evening we have dinner at a nice Restaurant, Accommodation in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco.
We are going up to the Archeological site of Machupicchu to explore the ruins at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours.  We´ll have a guided tour with an English speaking guide of about 2 ½ hours. Then for the rest of the day you will be free to enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing city. You can climb up Huayna Picchi Mountain for spectacular views over the entire Machu Picchu site (about 1 hour 40 mins round trip) or visit the Temple of the Moon lower down.  You will be issued with a transfer ticket and you can catch the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes when you’re ready in order to enjoy a nice lunch.
Most trains depart Aguas Calientes between 3:30pm and 5:20pm (depends on train schedules) and the return train journey will take approx 4½ hours, arriving in Cusco sometime between 7:30 – 9:30pm.  Lunch Included

Contact info@peruviantreks.com for more information and prices for this Cusco trek

Best time: All Year
Timing: 4 Days Tours
Grade: Easy

The 4 day Cusco, Machu picchu tour allows you to visit many interesting places such as local museums and the archeolical sites of Tipon, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The tour is followed by a visit to the famous Inkan citadel of Machu Picchu, rightly considered to be one of the wonders of the world.

The city of Cusco sprawls across the Huatanay valley.  Its climate is generally dry and temperate, with two defined seasons: the dry season lasts from April to October with abundant sunshine and an average temperature of 13° celsius.  The wet season is much cloudier, it lasts from November to March with an average temperature of 12°.

The major nearby Inca sites are Pachacutek's presumed winter home Machu Picchu, which can be reached on foot by a Inca trail or by train; the "fortress" at Ollantaytambo; and the "fortress" of Sacsayhuaman.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01: Lima – City Tour Cusco
Arrival, reception at Velasco Astete Airport and transfer to your Hotel Lodging.  You’ll then have a free morning to get acclimatized
At 1.30pm in the afternoon we’ll take a City Tour in Cusco walking to the renaissance style Cathedral.  Inside, you will find beautiful cedar wood statues, silver and gold leaf exhibits and many famed Cusco  paintings.  Next, we’ll visit Koricancha, or sun temple, from which we’ll have a great view of the whole city (nowadays this is the Santo Domingo Church).  Finally we’ll go to the four surrounding ruins: the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Q’enqo, Puca-Pucará and Tambomachay. Later we’ll return to hotel and have some
free time for meals.
Day 02: Tipon, Pisac & Ollantaytambo.
You will be picked up at 8:00 am for a full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley.  We´ll start by visiting the very interesting Incan village of Tipon, a city of beautiful royal rooms and great water fountains. The Incas were skilled architects, especially in their hydraulic constructions.  Each complex features well-built canals which channeled the water perfectly, this method was so effective that many of the canals are still used to provide local inhabitants with water today.
Then we will continue with our tour toward Pisac, a picturesque rural with a charming indigenous market and craft fair.  Pisac is an important archaeological centre surrounded by mystical Incan ruins.  Typically, for traditional Incan architecture, the cities were built based on figurative designs of animals.  Pisac itself was partridge-shaped, hence its name which means partridge in Quechua.  In the afternoon we will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a group of edifices that in the days of the Tahuantinsuyo empire constituted a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military complex.  After taking in some of the Incas most glorious legacies, we will take our train to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 03: Machupicchu – Cusco
Early wake up (by 05:30a.m), breakfast and, having left our luggage in safe storage at the hotel, we will take the early tourist bus up to Machu Picchu.  We should arrive at Machu Picchu by around 6: 50 a.m, allowing us to enjoy the magical site in peace & relative solitude before the tourist trains arrive from Cusco.  We´ll have a guided tour with an English speaking guide of about 2 ½ hours. Then for the rest of the day you will be free to enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing city. You can climb up Huayna Picchi Mountain for spectacular views over the entire Machu Picchu site (about 1 hour 40 mins round trip) or visit the Temple of the Moon lower down.  You will be issued with a transfer ticket and you can catch the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes when you’re ready in order to enjoy a nice lunch.
Most trains depart Aguas Calientes between 3:30pm and 5:20pm (depends on train schedules) and the return train journey will take approx 4½ hours, arriving in Cusco sometime between 7:30 – 9:30pm.  Lunch Included
Day 04: Cusco - Lima
Breakfast, at required time, transfer from hotel to the airport for your departure to Lima, Arequipa, Puno or Puerto Maldonado-Tambopata.

Contact: info@peruviantreks.com for more information and prices forthese Peru treks and hikes

Best time: All Year
Timing: 5 days Trek and Tour
Grade: Moderate

A great alternative to the crowded Inca trail, with a hike from Huaran to Cancha Cancha – Quishuarani - Cuncani Lares Town (Hot Springs) – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes Town and final day includes a full day tour of Machu Picchu Inka city.
Leaving from the Sacred Valley, on the first day we’ll walk on an original Inca Track, enjoying a variety of native flora and fauna, including indigenous plants used for natural dyes.

The next day there’ll be a steep ascent towards Pachacutec pass (4,697 m /15,406 ft), surrounded by views of the beautiful lakes of Azulcocha and Suerococha.  From the pass, we follow a trail that slowly descends, with a permanent view of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani and Chicon snow capped mountains. On the third day we’ll see the Chicon glacier and the 7 lakes with huallatas, (Andean geese) ducks and other water fowl, and enjoy the medicinal waters of Lare’s hot springs: an amazing trip!

TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco / Cancha Cancha Community
We'll pick you up from your Hotel at 6:00am and leave Cusco by car, on the road to Pisac until we arrive at Huaran creek (2,950 m/9,676 ft). Here we’ll start hiking up a small side valley that narrows gradually while ascending on an original Inca Trail, enjoying a variety of native flora and fauna. After a 3 hour hike, we’ll arrive at Cancha Cancha (4,000m / 13,192 ft.), where we will be received with some typical food and have the opportunity to share an insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of this Andean community.

Day 02: Cancha Cancha / Quiswarani
After breakfast we start slowly uphill until we reach Accopata, an extension of Cancha Cancha Community, where shepherds live in typical stone and ichu (straw) roof huts. There we begin a steep ascent towards Pachacutec pass (4,697 m /15,406 ft), surrounded by views of the beautiful lakes of Azulcocha and Suerococha. From the pass, we follow a trail that slowly descends, with a permanent view of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani and Chicon snow capped mountains. We traverse Collaycocha Lake (4,200 m. / 16,000 ft.), reaching a waterfall approaching the Community of Quiswarani (3,902 m. / 12,798 ft.), where we camp enjoying traditional food and spending our time with children and women weavers.

Day 03: Quiswarani / Cuncani
As we leave our campsite, towards to the Huillquijasa pass (4,457 m. / 14,618 ft.) we will see the Chicon and Colque Cruz glaciers and the 7 lakes full of huallatas (Andean geese), ducks and other water fowl. Over the high point we continue downhill until we reach the community of Cuncani (3,886 m/12,746 ft.), a picturesque village, similar to the previous campsite. This was the last refuge of the Royal Panakas, an Inca sect. After our picnic lunch we’ll continue past a narrow valley full of spectacular giant stones to reach the Trapiche Valley basin.  In the afternoon we will continue on the trail past charming prairies, lakes and agricultural areas with roaming deer until we arrive in Cuncani 3h later, where we will have supper and camp.

Day 04: Cuncani / Lares / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes
We’ll leave Cuncani at 8.00am to walk down a fertile valley with typical vegetation, crops and agricultural communities. Along the trail we will see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. After approximately 2 hours walk we will arrive in Lares (3261 m / 10,696 ft.), capital of the district.   It’s a large village whose principal attraction is its pleasant hot springs, where we can enjoy a dip.  After lunch, we will board a private car that will take us back to Ollantaytambo.  From here we can take a 3 hour car ride to Ollantaytambo for the extension trip to visit Machu Picchu. We catch the train to Aguas Calientes at around 4:00pm.

Day 05: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Early wake up (by 05:30a.m), breakfast and, having left our luggage in safe storage at the hotel, we will take the early tourist bus up to Machu Picchu.  We should arrive at Machu Picchu by around 6: 50 a.m, allowing us to enjoy the magical site in peace & relative solitude before the tourist trains arrive from Cusco.  We´ll have a guided tour with an English speaking guide of about 2 ½ hours. Then for the rest of the day you will be free to enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing city. You can climb up Huayna Picchi Mountain for spectacular views over the entire Machu Picchu site (about 1 hour 40 mins round trip) or visit the Temple of the Moon lower down.  You will be issued with a transfer ticket and you can catch the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes when you’re ready in order to enjoy a nice lunch.
Most trains depart Aguas Calientes between 3:30pm and 5:20pm (depends on train schedules) and the return train journey will take approx 4½ hours, arriving in Cusco sometime between 7:30 – 9:30pm.  Lunch Included

Contact: info@peruviantreks.com for more information and prices forthese Peru treks and hikes

Typically, on arrival a tour of the city itself is recommended as an introduction that will allow a better understanding of what you might visit afterwards.  The tour covers a visit to the Sun Temple (Koricancha) and Cusco’s impressive Cathedral; you’ll then continue, visiting 4 archaeological sites in the city surroundings: the stunning  Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca pucara and Tambomachay ruins.  The following day we will travel by train to visit the famous Inca citadel of Machu picchu.

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 01: Lima – City Tour Cusco
Arrival, reception at Velasco Astete Airport and transfer to your Hotel Lodging.  You’ll then have a free morning to get acclimatized
At 1.30pm in the afternoon we’ll take a City Tour in Cusco walking to the renaissance style Cathedral.  Inside, you will find beautiful cedar wood statues, silver and gold leaf exhibits and many famed Cusco  paintings.  Next, we’ll visit Koricancha, or sun temple, from which we’ll have a great view of the whole city (nowadays this is the Santo Domingo Church).  Finally we’ll go to the four surrounding ruins: the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Q’enqo, Puca-Pucará and Tambomachay. Later we’ll return to hotel and have some
free time for meals
Day 02: Cusco - MachuPicchu - Cusco
You will be picked up at your Cusco hotel at 6:15am or 5:40am (depending on the train schedule) and transferred to the nearby train station for the 4 hour journey to the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu. The journey is picturesque but the train is slow as it zig zags its way out of the Cusco Valley, before travelling along the banks of the Urubamba River. The nearest village to Machu Picchu is called Aguas Calientes and this is where you will leave the train and drop your bags off at the hotel.  From here it’s a 25-minute bus ride up to the site (included). Your first views will be of Huayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), which towers above the ruins.  It is possible to climb this mountain but it is a hard walk to the top (takes about 50 minutes). Before you enter the site there is a cafeteria, luggage storage and toilets. Your local guide will give you an approx 2½ hour guided walking tour of the ruins explaining all about the culture, the buildings and the lifestyle of the Incas.  After your tour you will then have free time to explore the ruins at your leisure. You will be issued with a transfer ticket and you can catch the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll have a nice lunch.
Most trains depart Aguas Calientes between 3:30pm and 5:20pm (depends on train schedules) and the return train journey will take approx 4½ hours, arriving in Cusco sometime between 7:30 – 9:30pm. Lunch Included
Free time dinner
(*) Should there be no train tickets available for the direct route Cusco - Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket from Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo with an additional private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo will be provided by our company.
Day 03: Cusco - Lima
Breakfast, at required time, transfer from hotel to the airport to your departure to Lima or (Arequipa, Puno or Puerto Maldonado-Tambopata)

Contact: info@peruviantreks.com for more information and prices forthese Peru treks and hikes