Inca Trail and Cusco 8D

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco!, City tour

Upon you arrival in Cusco airport (3,300 masl) you will be met by our local representative and then transferred to the hotel.
13:20pm guided visit to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, continue to the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the city of Cuzco, an Inca architectural masterpiece; Qenqo, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins. Return to your hotel. Free evening.

Meals: None

Hotel in Cusco

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas

7:20am Today, our Tour guide takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas that was an important source of food for the Incas. The Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that keeps supplying the Cusco City with lots of its production. We visit the majestic ruins of Pisaq as well as its current famous handicraft market. Then, we stop in Urubamba, considered to be the capital of the valley, to have a buffet lunch offering Andean cuisine (included in the tour). Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo with its Incan fortress the last Inca town that still keeps its original architecture, back to Cusco visit the village of Chinchero famous for a massive Inca wall located in its town square.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel in Cusco

Day 3: Free day to walk around Cusco city

Free day to visit the city. Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel in Cusco

Day 4: Hiking the Inca Trail – KM82 – Ayapata

We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 4:30-5:00am and travel to Km 82. You’ll arrive to Km 82 at about 7:00am and we stop for a breakfast prepared by your guide. After a delicious breakfast we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek (please make sure you have your passport with you to enter the Inca Trail). The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site, Patallacta which was an Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. From Patallacta it’s another 2 hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch we will hike for another 2 and a half hours until we reach the first night’s campsite (Ayapata, 3300 meters). On this last stretch we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drinks or snacks you can do so here, you can also buy any essential items such as batteries that you may have forgotten. We’ll arrive to our campsite by 5:00pm and after settling in for a bit you can relax and have a drink and something to eat with your porters, chef and guide. By 7:30 your dinner will be ready, afterwards you can get some well deserved rest.
Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3300 meter high above sea level.
Considered: Moderate day (get used to the Inca trail)
Weather: Warm and windy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in Camping

Day 5: Inca Trail; Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha

Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is our longest day and we will start with an early wake up. We’ll hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters). On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River). It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the 2nd pass, it’s another hour downhill to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (unaccessible village). We’ll stop here for a rest and have a quick tour of the site and then watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some star gazing.
Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3600 meter high above sea level (chilled weather)
Considered: Top day (we will survive two passes)
Area : Andes and the cloud forest
Weather : Cold and rainy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in Camping

Day 6: Inca Trail; Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna Camp

Completing day 2 and beginning day 3 certainly deserves a pat on your back! We begin early again, waking up at 6:30am to begin what is commonly believed to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along what is known as Inca flat (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the peak of the jungle, which is also known as the cloud forest. As we walk we will have the opportunity to see the beauty of the Salkantay snow capped peak and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flat we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from where we get great views overlooking the Urubamba river. Down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu mountain but the site is still hidden from view. From Phuyupatamarka it´s a 3 hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of it´s proximity to Machu Picchu. During the descent we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (The Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00pm to have lunch and then relax for the entire afternoon so you’re relaxed and ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a small talk at around 4:30pm and you will visit the inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna spending about an hour and a half there. We will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so now). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn.
Walking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meter high above sea level. (Chilled weather)
Considered: Easy day (Just down hill)
Area: High cloud forest
Weather: Warm and very humid

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in camping

Day 7: Machupicchu – Cusco

Wake up time is at 3:30am. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00am and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30am. We’ll wave goodbye to our porters and chef and then it’s all ahead to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here we have spectactular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30am and then it’s just another hour´s trek down a stairway to reach the lost city of the Incas. As we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city just get better and better and at about 7:40am we reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour guided tour. After the tour you’ll be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes and you’ll have between 3-4 hours to explore on your own. At about 1:30pm we’ll meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes to have our last lunch together and you’ll be given your train tickets for your return journey to Cusco. We´ll arrange to meet 30 minutes before your train departs and then all go together to the train station. If you like there is an optional hike up Huayna Picchu mountain which takes about an 45 minutes to reach the summit. From here you can enjoy fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding scenery. If you’re interested in this, please book it in advance for $65.
Considered: The most exciting and magical day (Early wake up 3.30 am)
Area: High cloud and tropical forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (requires a lot of water)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel in Cusco

Day 8: Transfer Out

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: None

– End fo service –

What is included:

• Welcome by our Representative at arrival.
• Private Tourist Transportation airport – hotel – airport
• City tour with bilingual guide and tourist transportation
• Sacred Valley tour with bilingual guide and tourist transportation
• Inca Trail 4d/3n: Pre trek briefing with your tour guide
• Storage of backpacks during the trek
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead
• Inca Trail Permit (includes entry to Machu Picchu)
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 8 people).
• Double tents and sleeping foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest).
• Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
• Meals mentioned, hot beverages, boiled water everyday (optional vegetarian food for no extra cost!). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the traditional Peruvian delicacies.
• Porters (for equipment and personal items) They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7kg/15lbs per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire a porter, please contact us for costs.
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals.
• Tents for our staff to sleep in.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Or Cusco)
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, if it’s the case.
• Accommodation: 4 nights Hotel/Hostal and 3 nights  camping during the trek.
• Personal assistance all your trip

What is not included:

• International & local flights, airport departure taxes. (Feel free to ask for flight tickets prices to info@localhost)
• Entrance fee for City tour and Sacred Valley tour: Koricancha 15 soles, Cathedral 25 soles, tourist ticket 130 soles (these tickets are paid in cash soles).
• Meals not mentioned.
• Travel Insurance.
• Tips to local staff (please note: It is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory).
• Other extras not especified.

Optional extras:

• Hot springs 10 soles
• Sleeping Bag (4 season): $20 (Maximum size 1.95m / 6´4″)
• Pair of Walking poles: $15
• Inflatable Matress: $15
• Vistadome Train back to Cusco $40
• Huaynapicchu Tickets $65 or Machupicchu Mountain Ticket $60

Creating unique, creative and personalized programs based on your goals, budget, expectations and schedule is our specialty. Discover the Peruvian wonders with us!

Type of Tours 

All of our tours are offered in both Group and Private services; however, as we like to maintain control of the quality of our tours, even our group tours include PRIVATE transfers.  This is important, as when you get picked up; you will go directly to your hotel without having to drive around the city to drop off other people in their hotels.  Transportation is just for you.

Accommodations 

We offer all level of accommodations.  When creating an itinerary it would be important to know which your preferred level of accommodation is.  Please be sure that at all levels our recommended hotels offer great service and nice comfortable rooms. Our team has personally tried all our recommended hotels.

We mostly work with accommodations that have availability for taking reservations in advance which include communities with home stays, B&B, guest houses, apartments to two and three star hotels as well as luxury all-inclusive facilities. We periodically inspect hotels we use for cleanliness, hygiene and safety to make sure that services are in line with pricing to guarantee customer satisfaction

STANDARD
A standard room is the cheapest in the hotel. The standard room has the basic amenities, usually a television, telephone, closet and private bathroom. Other offerings in the standard room depend on the hotel. For example, two-star hotels may offer little more than the basics. A five-star hotel’s standard room may have a Jacuzzi tub, flat-screen television, honor bar and designer interior decorating.

MODERATE
3-star Superior: These are 3-star that should really be considered has 4-star Hotels. Nice location, great rooms and charming decoration. Excellent service, with restaurant, room service, business centre, laundry, etc. Buffet breakfast. Best value. Perfect for someone looking for an inexpensive option and still have some superior services.
4-star Hotels: Good location, very nice rooms, great decoration and excellent service. This hotel includes more services such as room service, business center, laundry, spas, more room features, etc. Some have gourmet restaurants. Buffet breakfast. Perfect for someone looking for some luxury and special services and do not need a 5-star option.

LUXURY
4-star Suites: Some 4-star hotels have suites that offer the same room features of a 5-star option. Perfect for someone looking to upgrade from a 4-star standard room and get more space and features.
5-star Hotel: What you usually imagine a 5-star hotel is. Great location, luxury accommodations and excellent service. Gourmet restaurants, spas, room service, business center, etc. Perfect for someone looking for a 5-star service but do not need the 5-star Deluxe option.
5-star Deluxe: These 5-star deluxe hotels offer ultimate luxury with outstanding service, luxurious rooms with deluxe room features and “you ask-you will get” concierge service. Properties have privileged locations or particular history behind it. Gourmet restaurants and spas. Ideal for the luxurious traveler.

Trains 

Expedition: The least expensive tourist train, recently renovated offers nice seats and good train service.
Vistadome: A higher category of train service, with panoramic roof windows. It offers a snack and fashion show.
Hiram Bingham: Luxury train which offers lunch, tea-time and dinner service.
Andean Explorer: Train service from Cusco to Puno or Puno to Cusco. Departs only on certain days of the week, depending on the season.

Flights 

LOCAL AIRLINES
Peruvian Airlines: Peruvian owned airline that offer the least expensive prices but has few frequencies. Both Peruvian and Foreigners pay the same.
Star Peru: Peruvian owned airline. It flyes to many destinations and offers good value prices, but has few frequencies. Both Peruvian and Foreigners pay the same.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Avianca Airlines: Central American owned airline that offers great service but few frequencies to Cusco. It is moderately expensive. It offers sale prices for Peruvian Residents ONLY that cannot be purchased by tourists.
Latam Peru: Chilean owned airline.  It offers great service and many frequencies to Cusco (almost 13 flights per day).  Prices are the highest on the market. It offers sale prices for Peruvian Residents ONLY that cannot be purchased by tourists.

DOMESTIC TICKETS
Lima/Cusco/Lima: From US$350.00 per person. This is an example price, since prices depends on the airline, date and time of booking.