On this trip to Peru we trek along an extended route of the classic Inca Trail. We hike past the snow-capped peak of Mount Salkatanay (6271m), through Cloud Forest and over ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. Following the course of the Kusichaca River we visit the quiet village of Wayllabamba and continue to Llulluchapampa (3750m). Crossing Runkuraqay Pass (3993m) we follow the valley of the Pacamayo River and trek through tropical vegetation to the ruins of Sayaqmarka. We continue through the Inca Tunnel and along the ridge of the Urubamba River to Phuyupatamarka ruins (3650m) - that offers spectacular views of Mount Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay. Descending the staircase to the ‘Gate of the Sun’ we see the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. We take a guided tour of the ancient ‘Lost City’: including temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings. We end the trip in the tropical Amazon Rainforest; we paddle along jungle-lined river banks in dugout canoes and search for prolific wildlife on walks through forest trails.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour in Lima
Check-in to hotel today and look out for Explore notices near reception for more information about the tour and timings for tomorrow. Your tour leader will meet you in Juliaca, but a local representative is on call in Lima in the event of any problems.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Fly Cusco, Walking tour of city
This morning we fly to Cusco where you will be met by your tour leader. The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish colonial city, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. This morning we take a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca and Colonial monuments, such as Plaza de Armas, the Koricanha and the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls. This afternoon we have some free time to relax in the city or perhaps take in some of the outlying Inca sites.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Visit Pisac market and Sacsayhuaman
This morning we head out towards Pisac home to an interestng Inca site and fantastic craft market. We will spend time taking a guided tour of Pisac ruins before sourcing some great keep sakes and souvenirs at the vibrant and colourful market place. Heading back towards Cusco this afternoon we visit the outlying temple citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Its huge, zigzagging stone walls are broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire. 20,000 conscripted workers toiled for 90 years to finish it. After a guided visit here we return to Cusco.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Free Day in Cusco
Today has been left free for activites in and around Cusco. You may want to explore more of the city on your own, gazing at the wonderful architecture and soaking up the history and culture of this beautiful place. For something alittl emore active you might want to try the option of a full days rafting of the white waters (grade 2-3) of the Urubamba River. No experience is neccessary and full instruction is given.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Begin trekking the extended Inca Trail
The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. It runs across the ‘Machu Picchu Archaeological Park’, part of it over the ancient Inca highway which connected Cusco with Machu Picchu. To the east runs the Kusichaca river; to the north the Urubamba; and to the south lies the Cordillera. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970 by an expedition led by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Angles. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored. We take a bus to Mollepata and continue by truck to the start of the trek. Here we meet our trek guide, porters and muleteers. After lunch we hike for about 12kms to Soraypampa (4500m).
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 to 9:
Trekking along the Inca Trail
Over the coming days we trek along the extended Inca Trail route – arguably the most beautiful of all the trails to Machu Picchu. On our second day we trek to Inca Chiriasca, the highest point on the trail at 5017m. After crossing the pass we have lunch. We camp at Sisaypampa (4250m). Total walking 16km, 8hrs.
On our third day we have a simple day’s descent today to Paucarkancha seeing incredible landscape and ruins en route. Total walking 9km, 5hrs.
From here we follow the course of the Kusichaca river and the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3750m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night. Total walking 10km, 4 hrs).
On the fifth day we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3993m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. Sayaqmarka ruins are on a rocky promontory. They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Sayaqmarka was walled-in, and has an elliptical fortified tower and other interesting constructions. Our trail goes through high jungle with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Phuyupatamarka ruins (3650m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. Total walking 15km, 7hrs.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Arrive at Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu
On our final day of the trek we descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2650m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti-Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site and catch a local bus down the Hiram Bingham road to the small settlement of Aguas Calientes. Tonight we recommend a dip in the nearby thermal springs to ease aching limbs (optional). Total walking 16km, 6hrs.
Overnight Hostel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11:
Re-visit Machu Picchu for sunrise; train to Cusco
Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Train times permitting, there may be time to climb the steep peak of Wayna Picchu to look down on the Temple of the Sun. Later we return to Cusco by train and then by bus.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12:
Free day, Optional Maras and Moray tour
Today is left free for final exploration of Cusco. You may chose to take an optional trip out into the Sacred Valley and the areas of Maras and Moray. Known locally as the "laboratory of the Incas" Moray contains unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 30 m (98 ft) deep. The purpose of these depressions is uncertain, but their depth and orientation with respect to wind and sun creates a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C (27 °F) between the top and bottom. This large temperature difference was possibly used by the Inca to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops. In other words, Moray was perhaps an Inca agricultural experiment station. As with many other Inca sites, it also has a sophisticated irrigation system.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and boat to jungle lodge
Transfer to airport for a short flight to the southern Amazon area of Peru, then a boat trip along the Madre de Dios or Tambopata river to the jungle lodge. We do an orientation walk on arrival and a sunset walk in the evening
Overnight Lodge (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 to 15:
In Amazon Jungle
Two full days to explore, which will include jungle walks where in the deeper parts of the forest, toucans, monkeys, picuros, boars and other jungle animals may be heard or seen. We observe wildlife on the river during a boat excursion.
Overnight Lodge (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16:
Fly Lima; optional city tours
Today we take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado from where we catch our flight back to Lima. This afternoon you can choose to take a classic tour of the colonical centre or perhaps take one of our special 'detour' trips that take you away from the usual tourist spots to see the real Lima. There's also the chance to visit the Gold Museum or the excellent Larco Museum.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 17:
Tour ends Lima
Included meals: Breakfast
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