Famed Inca Trail with Highlights in Cuzco & The Sacred Valley (7 days)

At the peak of the Incan Empire their road system covered more than 20,000 kilometres and stretched from Chile to Ecuador. Most trails lead to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the empire. Today, Cuzco is a vibrant tourist town and the world-famous Inca Trail is a carefully preserved hiking trail through some of the most scenic areas of Peru, including a number of fine archaeological ruins.

Day 1: CUZCO

• After breakfast you will have a free morning to explore the amazing Inca Capitol, Cuzco and prepare for your Inca Trail venture.
• In the afternoon there will be a city tour of Cuzco and the nearby ruins, ending with an overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 2: SACRED VALLEY

• After breakfast you will take an amazing scenic drive through the famous Andes Mountains to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you will visit Pisac, with its beautiful ruins and its wonderful Andean market.
• Following lunch, an excursion to the great fortress of Ollantaytambo is waiting.
• In the evening you will return to your hotel in Cuzco, however you will have free time to explore more of the vibrant city of Cuzco!

Day 3: CUZCO/HUAYLLABAMBA

• Our guides will pick you up at your hotel at approximately 6:30 am and 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 m 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 m above sea level.
• We will end the day by camping overnight in Huayllabamba.
• Total distance traveled on the trail 12 km or 7.5 miles.

Day 4: 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 m) 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 your blood sugar level high.
• After Dead Woman’s Pass we will descend to about 3,500 m 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 m or 13,776 ft.

Day 5: PACAYMAYO/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 m. Along the way is an archeological site believed to have 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 m) and two more Inca ruins, one being very complex with fountain systems and beautiful views of the valley below.
• The last descent 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 m.

Day 6: 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. You can choose to take a bus to Aguas Calientes (the village below Machu Picchu), relax in the natural hot springs near the village or explore the curious village itself. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Hiking time is estimated 2 hours. Maximum altitude 2,700 m (8,829 ft).

Day 7: CUZCO/LIMA

• After breakfast, you have the option of returning to visit to Machu Picchu. Go see the ruins at sunrise before other tourists arrive or climb the beautiful towering peak of Huayna Picchu to see the ruins from above.
• At 5:00 pm the train leaves to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to airport or your hotel.

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 from $29 per person Contact Venture Peru for details