Lively Lima, the Famed Inca Trail, Cuzco & the Sacred Valley (9 days)

After starting in the old colonial city of Lima, this 9-day tour lets you explore the amazing Andes. First you will visit the ancient Inca capital Cuzco, where the local Indians still can be seen in their traditional, vibrantly coloured clothes. The tour continues with visits to the Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley and a hiking adventure on the famed Inca Trail.

Day 1: LIMA

• Upon arrival to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport, you will be transferred with one of our guides by first class van to your selected hotel.
• You will be given a radio for the duration of your trip to communicate with us for any last-minute needs or any emergency you may have
• 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!
• You will finish the day with an overnight stay in the Miraflores District or near the Lima airport.

Day 2: LIMA

• Following breakfast, there will be a full tour of the “City of Kings”. You will see:
  • The beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores, with cliff tops overlooking the Pacific Ocean
  • The historical San Francisco monastery and church, famous for its unique catacombs
  • And the breathtaking Plaza de Armas: including the Presidents Palace, the main Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall
• Or a night trip to “The Magic Circuit of Water” which is currently the world record holder for the largest fountain complex in the world, consisting of 13 distinct fountains, many of which are interactive. All of the fountains are lighted at night, many with continuously changing color schemes.
• The day ends with a return to your hotel.

Day 3: LIMA/CUZCO

• In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cuzco.
• After lunch, your Cuzco adventure begins with:
  • A guided tour of the Plaza de Armas: the main cathedral
  • 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: an ancient amphitheater with unique stone carvings
  • Tambo Machay: fountains once for the sole use of Incan royalty
  • The small fortress of Puca Pucara
• The day ends with a return to your hotel, or there are various nightlife options available!

Day 4: 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 5: CUZCO/HUAYLLABAMBA

• Our guides will pick you up at your hotel at 6:30 am and 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 to the location 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. The total distance we will travel on the trail is 12 km or 7.5 miles.
• We will end our day by camping overnight in Huayllabamba.

Day 6: HUAYLLABAMBA/PACASMAYO

• 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 your 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 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 meters) 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 meters.

Day 9: MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO

• 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