Hike the Inca Trail Plus All of Peru’s Highlights (12 days)

Finally, this last tour is the all-in adventure as it include everything you could want to visit in Peru, from the fine dining of the capital Lima, to the markets of Cuzco, to the mystery of the Nazca Lines, to the delightful Indian families living on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands. This is a jam-packed tour that shouldn’t be missed.

Day 1: LIMA

Upon arrival to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport, you will be transferred by taxi to your selected hotel. Depending on arrival time, we can arrange optional museum visits, city tours, culinary tours, a crash course in Spanish, or even paragliding off the cliff tops of Miraflores.

Day 2: LIMA/NAZCA/PARACAS

Morning drive South on the Pan American Highway to the city of Nazca. You will be traveling by first class bus through the desert along the amazing Pacific coast. Early afternoon flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, drawings in the desert done over 5,000 years ago which includes a humming bird, monkey, spider, and a condor. Afternoon transfer to hotel along the Pacific coast town of Paracas.

Day 3: PARACAS/LIMA

Early morning cruise in the Pacific to see the Ballesta Islands and what they have to offer. You will see sea lions, penguins, and up to 60 different species of birds. Return to Lima by first class bus.

Day 4: LIMA/CUZCO

Morning transfer to airport and flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival at the Cuzco airport you will be met by our staff and driven to your selected hotel, where you are advised to rest to acclimatize to the altitude. After lunch your Cuzco adventure begins with a guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, the main cathedral, and the amazing Coricancha (the temple of the sun). The guided tour continues to the beautiful Incan sites of Sacsahuaman, (an impressive Incan military fortress overlooking Cuzco), Kenko (amphitheater with unique stone carvings), Tambo Machay, (fountains only used by Incan royalty) and the small fortress of Puca Pucara. Early evening return to your selected hotel to rest and prepare yourself for the amazing Inca Trail.

Day 5: CUZCO/HUAYLLABAMBA

Our guides will pick you up at your hotel at approximately 6:30 am. We will then drive by bus to Piskacuchu, a small town located along the train tracks to Machu Picchu. We start the Inca Trail here at 2,700 meters above sea level. This amazing trail takes us along the rushing Urubamba River ascending to the city of Miskay. After lunch in Miskay, the journey continues upwards to 3,000 meters above sea level where we will be camping, Huayllabamba. During this 5 to 6 hour trek you will see gorgeous valleys and Veronica peak that reaches an impressive 5,832 meters above sea level. Total distance traveled on the trail 12 km or 7.5 miles. Overnight camp in Huayllabamba.

Day 6: HUAYLLABAMBA/PACAYMAYO

We will wake up around 6:00 am to have breakfast and shortly after begin day 2 of the Inca Trail. Today, the trail ascends steeply for a distance of 9 km before reaching the highest point (4,200 meters) known as Abra Waarmihuanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). At this altitude there is little vegetation, but surprisingly abundant life. We are very likely to see llamas, hummingbirds, sparrows, and even the chance of seeing an Andean Bear. At this altitude we recommend you bring candy, chocolates, coca leaves, or other snacks to keep you blood sugar level high. After dead woman’s pass we will be descend to about 3,500 meters to the Pacaymayo valley to camp for the night. Today’s hike is an estimated 6-8 hours with a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters or 13,776 feet.

Day 7: PACASMAYO/WINAYHUAYNA

Today on the trail will be the most interesting day, as we will see numerous archeological sites. After leaving Pacaymayo, we will climb to see another beautiful pass know as Abra de Runkurakay at 3,970 meters. Along the way is an archeological site believed to be served as a watchtower or lookout. After the pass, we will be descending to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and then entering the cloud forest with spectacular views. Ascending once again we will visit another pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 meters) and two more Inca ruins, one being very complex with fountain systems and beautiful views of the valley below. The last descend of the day will bring us to Winayhuayna our campsite which will have a restaurant, bar, and bathrooms with hot showers. Estimated walking time 8 hours. Maximum altitude point 3,900 meters.

Day 8: WINAYHUAYNA/MACHU PICCHU

We will start the last day of the Inca Trail early, after our 4:00 am breakfast we will hike about an hour before reaching the Sungate. We will have a view of Machu Picchu from above as the sun rises over the beautiful citadel. From here we will hike down to the controlled entrance point and begin a guided tour that lasts about 2 hours. After the tour your day is free to explore the mystical ruins. You can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, visit the Temple of the Moon, or the Inca Bridge. When you choose you can take a bus to Aguas Calientes (the village below Machu Picchu) where you will be staying the night. Before our included dinner, relax in the natural hot springs near the village or explore the curious village itself. Overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes. Hiking time estimated 2 hours. Maximum altitude 2,700 meters (8,829 feet).

Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Day at leisure. You may return to Machu Picchu to visit and explore sites not seen the day before or you can explore the village of Aguas Calientes before your train ride back. At 5:00 pm the train leaves to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to airport for flight to Lake Titicaca or *overnight stay in Cuzco for morning flight to Lake Titicaca*.

Day 10: CUZCO/ SILLUSTANI /PUNO

After breakfast morning transfer by taxi to the airport. The flight to Lake Titicaca through the Andes Mountains is absolutely beautiful. Morning or early afternoon arrival to Juliaca airport. On the way to your selected hotel you will visit necropolis of Sillustani, 12,000 feet above sea level, the lagoon of Umayo and the fabulous “chullpas” or tombs in the shape of cylinders. . The rest of the day is free to adjust to the altitude and explore the unique city of Puno. Overnight stay in Puno. *note: if the flight to from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca was taken the day before same day tour will be provided after breakfast.*

Day 11: FLOATING ISLANDS OF UROS

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning pickup to go to the docks at Lake Titicaca. From the docks we will go by boat to visit the Floating Islands of Uros and see the famous Lake Titicaca (the world’s highest navigable lake). We will visit various floating islands made all natural of reeds from the lake, there are a total of about 30 islands. You can take short trips on the all reed boats from island to island and see the amazing life of the Aymara speaking Uros Indians. After visiting the floating islands we will move on to the Taquile Island to eat an included lunch. The island of Taquile is known for its good quality woven and alpaca goods. Evening return to your hotel in Puno.

Day 12: PUNO/LIMA

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima and connect with the flight back home.

Additional Information:

• For booking the Inca trail you must send the following information: complete name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality and passport number. Students also need to send their scanned ISIC card and passport.
• Visitors to the Inca Trail should bring with them the following personal items: Personal hygiene items, a small first-aid kit containing some bandages, muscle ache lotion, pills against altitude sickness, fever, and stomach aches. Extra bottled water , sun block, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, flashlight, plastic bags (to keep personal items dry), hiking shoes, hiking stick, warm clothes for the cold nights, and light clothes for the day. Your original passport and some cash for tips, souvenirs, drinks and your meals on the last day.
• Note: These expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition able to hike on full-day treks over variable terrain and high altitude passes (up to 14,000 ft). This trip includes camping in remote areas in high altitude sites, possible rugged travel conditions and varying temperature and weather conditions.
• * Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler’s responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.

Optional Additional Costs:

• Extra Porter to carry your personal items: $150
• Single Person Tent if you do not want to room with others: $150
• Vistadome Train service: $79
• Extra Night in Cuzco or Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, Puno or Lima from $69 per person Contact Venture Peru for details