This trek along well preserved stretches of
the Inca road to Machu Picchu takes you high
over mountain passes and down through jungle
covered Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu,
making this one of the world's most beautiful
treks.
DAY 1 CUSCO-LLAQTAPATA
Transfer from Cusco to Chillca for the
beginning of your trek at the Km 77. Five
hour walk to the Llaqtapata ruins, (3,200
meters above sea level, 6.5 miles) with rest
stops along the way. Exploration of the ruins
and overnight. (L, D)
DAY 2 LLAQTAPATA-LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Following the Kusicancha River, the trail
leads to Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca
origin and the last main settlement on the
Inca trail route before Machu Picchu. After
lunch, commence the ascent up the Warmiwañusca
pass to the campsite at Llulluchapampa at
3,200 meters above sea level (11,800 ft.)
12.20 km. in 5 hours (6.5 miles). (B, L, D)
DAY 3 LLULLUCHAPAMPA-PUYUPATAMARCA
The longest day of trek: 15.2 km. in 8-9
hours (9.5 miles). Continue up the Warmiwañusca
pass to the valley of the Pacaymayo River
with its tropical vegetation. After crossing
the Runkurakay pass (3,987 m. - 13,000 ft.),
the jungle becomes visible on the slopes of
the mountains. The trail continues through
high jungle with vines, exotic flowers, an
Inca tunnel and across a bridge above the
lovely Puyupatamarca ruins. The views of the
Urubamba and the snow-capped peaks of the
Veronica and Salkantay, make these ruins one
of the most beautiful places on the trail.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes, of the bottom
of Machu Picchu. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 PUYUPATAMARCA-MACHU PICCHU
Descend to Wiñaywayna ruins (2,599 m.-
8,500 ft.), a small Inca city which, like
Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons.
Reach Intipunku, the gate of the Sun in time
for lunch and enjoy the fantastic view of
the lost city itself, Machu Picchu set in
a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators.
Walk down to the valley floor to camp in Puente
Ruinas. 8.96 km. in 5-hour walk (5.6 miles).
Option to visit Aguas Calientes and its hot
springs. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO
Visit the fantastic stone edification
of Machu Picchu, probably the most outstanding
feat of engineering in all ancient America.
Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone
dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying
to the energy and ingenuity of the builders.
Afternoon return by train to Cusco and transfer
to your hotel.
* Daily departures.
* Fixed departure programs also available
with tour restrictions. |
