Personalized Private Service, 2013

Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N to Machu picchu

Price 2012 as Adult $ 550 / with green ISIC Card $530 with a minimum of 2 People

Price March 2013 as Adult :$ 660/ with green ISIC Card $ 645 with a minimum of 2 Paxs

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 trek in the world. In just 26 miles (43 Km) it a manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, outstanding mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas."

• Length : 45 Mk/26 Miles.
• Length per day :Day01:14 Km / Day02 :16 Km / Day03:10 Km / Day04: 2 Km - Machu Picchu
• onsidered :The most traditional and adventure hike to Machu Picchu and in the world
• Min elevation:2400 Meters / 7850 Ft
• Max elevation: 4215 Meters / 13780 Ft
• Permits fo Wayna Picchu : you must book in advance ( First entry 7:00am and 10:00 am )
• Upgrade to Vistadome train : US$ 35 per person Aguas Calientes straight to Poroy-Cusco
• More than 5 people in the group : Free sleeping bags for whole trip.
• Difficulty : Moderate to strenuous
• Remark : 2 Days aclimatazation required in Cusco and in the Sacred Valley

Important new trail regulations INC ( Institute National de Culture) Please note the INC has confirmed a 50% increase on the Inca trail fee for trekkers and porters but from August not January 2007 as previously indicated. A - Limited number of people can enter the trail each day (500 PEOPLE PER DAY) and hikers require permits obtained in advance by a licensed tour operator to do so. B - Your passport details and ISIC student card if applicable must be presented to the UGM park control to obtain a permit. You most scan / fax your valid ISIC card at the time of booking and carry these documents on the trail or risk losing your permit. YOUTH TRAVEL CARD or ISTC is not accepted by the control. C - We have daily departures for the 4 day Inca trail (except in all February) and from May to October (high season) you need to confirm your booking at least 4 months in advance if you do not have flexibility in a departure date .D - For lower season dates November to April there are often many dates with permits available so just make your reservation through the website and confirm by email the deposit booking.

Last Minute Information If you are wanting to include an ascent of Huayna Picchu in your visit to Machu Picchu beware that there are new regulations and permits have to be bought in advance. The cost to have a Machu Picchu entrance that includes the permits to climb Huayna Picchu is $57 extra and you need to indicate yes to this in your web reservation at the time of your booking….There is a limit of only 400 permits for climbing Huayna Picchu and only 200 people are permitted to enter for each of the 2 sessions scheduled for 7am and 10 am. The guide will organize the tour of Machu Picchu around people’s climb of Huayna Picchu depending on how many in the group have permits. Please note your entrance to Machu Picchu and permit for Huayna Picchu are with your name and passport details so are non transferable and non refundable.

Very Important: Even though the regulations for Expeditions to the Inka trail, point that the bookings must be done 5 days before the date of start, it's recommendable to do it beforehand, the average in high season points that 90 days befote the Start there is not space, due that only 500 people can enter per day, in order to protect both, the Inka trail and the santuary of Machupicchu.

Itinerary of 4 Days Inca Trail

Day01: Cusco- Ollantaytambo-KM 82 - Llactapata- Wayllabamba (12km).-Today is the climax day hiking through the most popular ancient past through highlands to Machu Picchu citadel of the Incas. Around 5:30am the travelers will be collected for their hotels in downtown – Cusco. The travelers will be transferred by private van with enough room for the backpacks, foods and the other personal items. This journey goes through Andean village of Chincheros, Ollantaytambo Urubamba and finally Chilca. The tour guide will recommend stopping at Ollantaytambo to have country breakfast (not included in the trek price).After 3 hours of drive the journey ends at kilometer 82, this point is the trail head of the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu….Before to start the hike the hiker will make the check in at the control point, this is the place to check everything before to start the hiking. The trail takes us to the first Inca ruins as Huillca Raccay, this offer spectacular view of Urubamba valley and the Cusi Chacca River. The trekking includes break stop for pictures and relaxing according your felling…..Continue hiking on the left bank of Urubamba River the hiker will be awarded with spectacular views of Veronica snow capped mountain, this is considerate one of the highest mountain with 5870 meters above sea level on the Cordillera Urubamba (Urubamba Mountain range). After 3 hours of hike you will enjoy the lunch near of Llaqtapata ruins (Upper Town in Quechua ancient language) and surrounded by pure nature and amazing views and of course guided visit of the ruins.3 hours more of uphill and following the ancient path by the left bank of the river (around 7 kilometers) the hikers will arrived to the little village of Wayllabamba. This place will be to set up the tents and spend the first night at 3000 meter above the sea level.

Meals Included except first breakfast / Accommodation: Camping / Maximum Altitude: 3,300 m/10,824 ft / Minimum Altitude: 2,680 m/8,790 ft / Distance Travelled: 12 km approx / Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Ascent up: 620 m / Available COLD SHOWER in the camp site.

Day02: Wayllabamba – Abra Warmy huañusca -Paqaymayo(10km).-After country breakfast the hikers will be ready to leave the first campsite and start the hike following the ancient path along the left bank of the Lluyuchayoc River. Today we recommend to hike very slow and take your time because is the hardest day to climb up the pass. After 1 or 2 hours arrival to Tres Piedras (Three Stones), there is small bridge to be crossed named Wayruro (seed of good fortune) and there the hiker will stop for break and use the toilets facilities before to continue going up through cloud forest. Uphill hike for around 3 or 4 hours depending your physical condition and seeing spectacular views of Lluyucha Pampa (3680m). Continuing going up and following the amazing landscape you will get to the first and highest pass of the Inca trail, called in Quechua ancient language “Abra Huarmy Wañusca” or Ingles means "Dead Woman's Pass" (4200m). The final part of the uphill trail will be the hardest because the altitude start to make effect to the hiker don’t got good acclimatization before to this trek. SOUTH ADVENTURE PERU TOURS recommend expending few nights at 3400 meters above sea level (Cusco) before to do this trek and reach this pass.At the Abra Huarmy Wañusca normally many people reach this altitude and this is the best award for celebrate. Some hikers bring some special drink to share with the others taking resting, making pictures and if weather permit seeing spectacular scenes of uphill trail where some people still are making the effort to reach top. After plenty time on the top we start a nice downhill path to the second campsite at Paqaymayo valley (3600 meters above sea level). This valley offer nice views of the mountain range.

Meals Breakfast, Snack, buffet lunch and buffet dinner / Accommodation: Camping / Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m/13,776 ft Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m/9,840 ft / Distance Travelled: 10 km approx / Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours / Ascent up 900m / Available COLD SHOWER in the camp site.

Day03: Paqaymayo- Runkuracay- Puyupatamarca-Wyñayhuayna-(15km).-Today the hiker will have breakfast at 7am and the start another 15km of hiking passing through archaeological site as Runkuracay (Pile of ruins). This circular complex is located on the top of a mountain and between the border of the Andean climate and the cloud forest. To reach these ruins the trail climbs steeply up the opposite side of the valley towards the second pass..The investigation says this was a place to storage food and contains sleeping areas for the Inca army..After the guide tour of Runkuracay we follow the trail leads us to the second larger Inca ruins as known Sayaqmarca (Dominant Town or Inaccessible Town).On the way to the ruins the hikers passing through two small beautiful lagoons next of the trail…… After Sayaqmarca the trail winds through jungle with orchids and bromeliads, through a tunnel, and along ridge above Urubamba River to Puyupatamarca (Town in the clouds). With stunning views of Salcantay, Veronica, and Pumasillo. Puyupatamarca, spreads out on either side of the trail with many agricultural terraces, a long series of baths (one and than a run of five going down the slope), and at the top of the site a large bedrock platform. Some archaeologists interpret the site as primarily a place to worship the mountains, but also see important water source association with the springs feeding the baths. Puyupatamarca offer spectacular place to have lunch seeing the surrounded mountains…From Puyupatamarca descends via steep staircase to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) is an Inca complex neighbor to Machu Picchu, on an elevated perch overlooking the Urubamba River. The site consists of upper and lower house complexes connected by a staircase and fountain structures, beside the houses lies and area of agricultural terraces. This place was discovered in 1941 by Paul Fejos……After exploring the ruins we go to the campsite, there is a little lodge and restaurant where you can purchase some drinks available and hot shower for 10 Soles.

Meals Breakfast, Snack, buffet lunch and buffet dinner / Accommodation: Camping / Maximum Altitude: 3,750 m/12,300 ft Minimum Altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft / Distance Travelled: 15 km approx / Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Descent:  700m / Available HOT SHOWER in the camp site for 10 Soles.

Day04:Wyñayhuayna- Sun Gate- Machu Picchu (8km) – Aguas Calientes- Cusco.-Today hikers will wake up early, plenty breakfast will be served in the campsite and the follow clearly market path to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). After one hour the hikers will be awarded with more than 50 steps before to reach the pass of Inti Punku…..Inti Punku or Sun Gate is entering to Machu Picchu citadel, the complex can be seeing from Inti Punku….The hikers can arrive here before sunrise and enjoy the first rays of the sun reaching Machu Puchu…After cross the stony door the hikers will see the magnificent and beauty of Machu Picchu, from where hikers will be able to have an impressive panoramic view of the Inca Citadel…Upon arrival to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries….Free time to stroll around the Citadel and then meet the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch…..Around 4pm the hiker will aboard the train from Aguas Calientes town to the train station of Poroy which is out of the city of Cusco and from there one more of transfer via private van to your selected hotel in Cusco.

Meals Breakfast, Snack, lunch in Aguas Calientes EXCEPT dinner / Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m/7,872 ft Machu Picchu / Distance Travelled: 8 km approx. / Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Descent:  300m.

Stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes town.- Stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes? Yes, if you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes after the trek this can easily be arranged. We will purchase your train ticket to return to Cusco the following day. You need to let us know at the time of making the trek reservation so we can reserve your train tickets in advance. Obviously if you stay an extra night then you will have to pay for your accommodation which is US$ 45 per person at HOTEL PACHAMAMA IN www.pachamamainn.com (  the hotel is rated as 3stars with private bath and hot shower and next day breakfast )

Our 4 Day Inca Trail Includes:

• Pre-information night before of your Inca Trail by your English speaking guide.
• Official English-Speaking guide (two guides for groups over 8 people)
• Private transport Cusco – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo - Km 82 - Poroy – Cusco
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Porters to carry food and camping equipment only
• Experienced cook and Cooking equipment
• Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, biscuit)
• 3 nights of camping along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
• 4 capacity tent - 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
• All BUFFET meals on the trail ( VEGETARIAN OPTIONAL )
• Water supply (boiled) after every dinner or breakfast time
• Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker train) VISTADOME S$ 35.
• Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes village.
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
• Kitchen tent & Porters insurance
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff

Our 4 Day Inca Trail NOT Included:

• Optional entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes on the last day ($4 USD)
• Towel can be hired for $2 USD at the hot spring - Aguas Calientes
• Alcoholic drinks and Breakfast on the first day
• Tips for the trekking crew, guides, cooks and porters. It`s a tradition
• Personal porter to help you to carry your PERSONAL item cost 9 Kilos $60 USD or 18 Kilos US$120 must be booked in advance
• Sleeping bag ( -Minus 20ºC) US$20 for 3 nights
• Single tent US$ 20 for 3 nights
• Trekking poles US$20 a pair
• Hot shower on 3rd camp (10 soles)
• Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits

What you need to Bring/Carry:

• Original passport to be showed in the park control of the trail (Day 1).
• Original and valid International Student Card (ISIC), only if you booked the trek as student.
• Hiking boots (waterproof), sneakers is welcome to but for the rainy is not enough comfortable.
• Long pants or slacks & Warm sleeping bag Minus 20ºC
• A Daypack (for your personal porters we provide a duffle bag)
• Long-sleeved shirts to prevent you from the sunburn.
• T-shirts and Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or cold conditions.
• Warm clothes , layers for variable temperature especially at night
• Sweaters and a jacket (something warm for the night).
• Gloves or Mittens, scarf, Wool socks, Woolen hat for cold nights.
• Rain wear or poncho for the rainy season December - April, but during the dry season can be raining too /Camera with extra batteries and flash light  , head torch and extra batteries
• Bottle of water, more bottle of water can be purchase at Winay Wayna, or in Aguas Calientes town // Snack (dried fruits, chocolates, etc).
• Insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes along the Inca Trail
• Hat and sun block to protect you from the sun.
• Personal toilette items and personal medical kit.
• 2 Liter water bottle, disposable plastic bottles are forbidden in Machu Picchu site.
• Water purifying tablets optional, since we provide boiled water.
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Extra money for drinks and tips , souvenirs  in Soles
• First Aid kit (alcohol, aspirin, tablets for stomach troubles, medicines to avoid altitude sickness) /// Day pack is good to bring to carry your camera, water, rain jacket.
• Swimsuit (On the last day there is possibilities to swim on the hot spring of Aguas Calientes – only if time permit).
• Optional: Trekking Poles with rubber covers (No Damage the Inca Trail) without rubber covers you CAN'T use them.
• Optional: Binoculars if you like to appreciate birds along the Inca route.
• Optional: GPS to map the campsites, the ruins and the Inca Trail to MACHU PICCHU

Inca Trail Weather.- For more information about the weather click here please.http://www.senamhi.gob.pe/
IMPORTANT: Prices are NOT Included extra personal porters to carry your personal belongings (it is necessary to hire an extra porter for whole trip, 9 Kilos is US$ 60 and 18 Kilos US$120) Children 9 to13 can have a $40.00 discount (need to scan and email passports)…Children UNDER 6 OR 7 younger can have an extra $80.00 discount!

 

 

Terms and Conditions of trip, 2012