Traditional Active Circuit: Lima - Cusco - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 08 days

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• Places: Huaca Pucllana, Historic Center of Lima, Plaza San Martin, Plaza Major, Cathedral of Lima, Government Palace, Archbishop´s Palace.
• Highest Elevation: 161 m.s.n.m / 528.22 feet ASL
• Accomodation: Hotel in Lima

Pick up at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Colonial City Tour in Lima (afternoon)

We will start by picking up all our participants from their different hotels in Lima, and then start with a small visit to the Intihuatana Park, established on the Malecón of Miraflores, where will appreciate the magnificent Pacific Ocean. We will continue our tour of the residential districts in the modern areas of Miraflores and San Isidro, we will have the opportunity to observe the Huaca Pucllana, pre-Inca ceremonial temple in the shape of a pyramid that despite the urban expansion of Lima has endured.

We will continue the tour to continue to the Parque del Olivar and the Financial Center of Lima, and then visit the Historic Center of Lima, named by UNESCO in 1991 as a World Heritage Site.

Cultural of the Humanity, where the Spanish crown, founded the center of the colony in the sixteenth century, where the first colonial buildings were built.

We will be dazzled the magnificent Plaza de San Martin, old balconies and old mansions, the Plaza Mayor and its most prominent buildings such as the Palace the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop's and Municipal Palace, the Desamparados Station and a lot more. In between the tour, we will have the opportunity to visit one of the most highlights of the 17th century. Place where in spite of the time the relics of the three Peruvian saints most prominent, Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres and San Juan Macias.
Then we will return to Miraflores, where we will finish the tour, the option to stay in the Indian market, Larcomar or return to your hotel, it will be at your discretion.

Overnight at selected hotel in Lima.

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Breakfast at the hotel

At the appropriate time transfer to the airport in Lima.

Flight Lima - Cusco (on behalf of the Passengers)

Reception at the airport in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon free to acclimatize to the altitude or do activities on your own.

Overnight in Cusco

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• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
• Places: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero.
• Highest Elevation (Chincheros) – 3,754 meters ASL / 12,316

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 am - Pick up time.

We will start the day by picking up our participants from their hotels in Cusco; we will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is located on the bank of the Vilcanota River.

We will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac, where we will appreciate platforms and architectural structures located on the slopes of that place and at the top of the mountain, we will return to the traditional village of Pisac to visit the Indian market, where we can learn about the customs of its inhabitants.

We will have lunch in one of the traditional restaurant located in Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the afternoon, we will visit the Fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo, erected to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it of invasions of the people from the eastern jungle.

On the way back to Cusco, we will visit the picturesque traditional village of Chinchero, where the remains of the royal estate of Túpac Inca Yupanqui are located. We will appreciate its very well preserved Inca walls in the main square and appreciate the beautiful colonial temple with interesting frescoes in the portico, built on the foundations of an Inca construction.

Overnight in Cusco.

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• Meals: Lunch, snacks and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 11kms / 6.8 mls (6 hours or so of walking)
• Difficulty: Easy / moderate.
• Walking time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch on the route)
• Hiking and terrain: Hiking on open and steep trails.

Breakfast at the hotel, at the coordinated time you will be picked up from the hotel to be transported by ITEP from Cusco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, finally we will arrive at Km 82 "Entrance to the Inka Trail".

Trekking Km 82 "Piscacucho to Wayllabamba".

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am. We will join you at the departure point, Plaza Regocijo, at 5:30 am to board our private bus. Be sure to bring your original passport or document that you booked with us.

Our trip from Cusco to Km 82 (Piscacucho) will take about 3 hours. The trip has many beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, Andean villages, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

On this stretch, we will stop to stretch our legs, use the bathroom, and enjoy a small breakfast, before continuing to Piscacucho, where the start of our excursion is... the Inca Trail. We will meet our camping team of cooks, porters and helpers who will carry the necessary camping equipment (two-person tents, dining and kitchen tents, as well as kitchens, utensils and fresh food for the 4 days on the mountain. Those who request it will have porters to carry their belongings during our excursion (35-mile - 43 km).

Arriving at Km 82, with your passports in hand, we will go through the official Inca Trail checkpoint, cross the suspension bridge on foot across the Urubamba River, and begin our hike with a gentle climb. This easy trail passes through a forest of cactus and native bushes. At Miskay, we take the trail to the left, gradually ascending towards Willkaraccay, well above the mouth of the Cusichaca River and through the Inca village of Llactapata (Pueblo de Terrazas). Our vantage point will be from a flat cliff above this site, which was built as a fortress because it protects the entrance to the Cusichaca Valley. The terrace system was used during Inca times for the cultivation of corn, quinoa and other cereals, prestigious crops in dry highlands needed for irrigation.

After a short break, we continue for another 15 minutes to have lunch at our site in Tayaroc. From here, the trail is adorned with native flowers, lichens and bromeliads, growing on rocks along the left side, majestic views of the mountains and the two valleys. Walking times are always approximate, depending on weather conditions, the ability of the group and other factors. After lunch, 3-4 hours more, we will arrive at the small town of Wayllabamba. You will be rewarded upon arrival at the camp with a hot drink, the popular Te Macho and then a delicious dinner will be served. The guides will present the plans for the next day.

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• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 16kms / 10mls (9 hours or so of walking time)
• Difficulty: Moderate.

After a hearty breakfast, around 8:00 am, we will start our hike towards the Ayapata Valley. It will take you 1 hour to reach this sector known for its high Andean valley microclimate, followed by a gradual climb through the woods and bushes and along a stream (3,300 m/10,824 ft). Today is the day when we will have our biggest challenge, which is to reach the summit, the main pass is at 4,200 meters above sea level, (13,776 ft) but we will have plenty of time to enjoy and delight in this extraordinary landscape. It will be hard because you will climb 1,200 meters in elevation, done in two stages.

We will be rewarded with spectacular views as we climb the mountain, part of which includes an ancient Inca staircase made of stone and surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks (Huayanay Mountain is behind us, as if watching our steps). You will then make a 2-3 hour hike with several stops to catch your breath and reach our place for lunch in the Llulluchapampa Valley with spectacular views all the way.

We will ascend steeply uphill through the Corralpunku Valley to the Llulluchayoc Zone, where you can see some species of birds. With luck, we will see small hummingbirds, falcons, buzzards, eagles, and suddenly we could see the king of the heights, the Condor, highly respected and revered in the Andean villages. Soon we will enter a beautiful cloud forest, or the Polylepis Forest (with small Qeuñas and Chachacomos trees) and the treeless grassland of the Puna region, inhabited by deer -tarucas and pumas. From here, you will be able to see the highest peak in front of you, which is called the Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman's Pass).

In Llulluchapampa, our field team will be waiting for you with a delicious lunch of Peruvian cuisine. After lunch, there is time to rest and maybe take a short nap. Then we will continue our hike for 2-3 hours more, for a 600-meter ascent of this mountain, Warmiwañusca Mt. located at 4,200 meters/13,776 feet above sea level. Here you may discover that you have some special feelings at the top like suddenly the sanctity of this point or maybe you have problems to cope with the lack of oxygen in your brain. The path climbs long stairs, some of which are re-laid to protect the mountain from erosion. They can walk at their own pace, stopping to catch their breath whenever they want. This last stretch is hard before reaching the Warmiwañusca Pass... they are there! When our whole group reaches the summit, we will all take a short rest before starting our descent into the Pacaymayo Valley for approximately 2-3 hours all the way down to our campsite for the night.

This site has an incredible view over the valley, a waterfall on the left side and snow covered peaks. Little by little, we will notice that our energy returns as we continue along this softer segment of the trail. We will find our campsite ready for a well deserved rest, then time for a rum tea, and a delicious and healthy buffet dinner. Feel free to walk at your own pace. The campsite is popular with other hiking groups and although the facilities are good, with two toilet modules, unfortunately there are no showers but there are buckets of hot water offered by our staff so you can wash up a bit. Have a good rest.

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• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities and cold showers.
• Distance: 10kms / 6.2mls (5 hours or so walk)
• Difficulty: Moderate

After a hearty breakfast, around 7:00 am, the trail climbs very steeply from the Pacaymayo camp on a well-preserved cobblestone road. Here the Inca Trail takes 1 hour to reach the ruins of Runcuracay, a circular structure with rectangular out buildings located at the end of the valley, an old Inca Tambo, it is here that the chaskis rested and stocked up on food and other materials.

Here there is a guard post, a lookout point, and a ritual building, its buildings facing east. From this site, you have a better view when you continue the stairway to the left bank. The second pass (3,950 m/12,956 ft), also known as the Abra de Runcuracay, is about an hour away, and beyond it, there are a series of false summits, and above them a series of steep stairs. Just before reaching the real pass, the trail winds between two small lagoons where Andean gulls occasionally gather.

The second pass is a wide platform, which has exceptional views, and with clear weather, you can look back at Warmiwañusca and have an amazing view of the snowy peaks and the road you have traveled. Forward to the 6,000 meter high mountain - Pumasillo (La Garra de la Puma) massif. From here, most of the road is downhill. After descending through a small tunnel, the trail begins with a series of tight zigzags, descending rapidly until it reaches a small lookout point above the promontory.

Beyond, the descent is more gradual and the path winds and coils across the slopes. To the right of this pass is a long lake covered with seaweed, and in front of you, the imposing Inca town of Sayacmarca is visible. You are now in time to explore and learn interesting things from the explanations of your guides. After these talks, we will continue to descend and the trail will take us to Chakicocha (3,400 m/11,000 ft), where we have a quiet camp where we can rest and have lunch. There are toilets here. From here, after lunch the excursion becomes breathtakingly beautiful as we pass the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, and then descend to Wiñaywayna and Intipata, to enjoy spectacular views of the Aobamba Valley.

This extension of the trail is made of well-maintained paved granite stone, still in good condition even after many centuries. Your lungs will appreciate the fact that today's hike is much lower than the one above, and is significantly shorter than yesterday's hike. To reach Phuyupatamarca (El Pueblo de las Nubes), we pass through the first of two short natural tunnels in the mountains. After visiting this site, we descend about 2,000 cobblestone steps to the Wiñaywayna citadel. If you did not have knee problems until now, you will suddenly have problems after this descent. If you have knee injuries, we recommend that you hire a carrier to carry your things from the beginning. Use trekking poles to help your legs.

Then, there is an additional short hike to the Intipata complex, another important Inca site that has agricultural terraces, before arriving at our campsite for the night. At about 5 pm, we will arrive at our campsite in Wiñaywayna (2,700 m/8,856 ft). We will set up our things in the tents, and before it gets dark, we will hike for another 20 minutes to enjoy the wonderful views and take a tour of the site. This Inca complex is the largest and most preserved of the other Inca sites on the Inca Trail. There are also many hikers at this camp, preparing for the final excursion to Machu Picchu early tomorrow morning. Therefore, we recommend that you take extra care of your personal belongings here. Keep an eye on your backpacks and do not leave anything outside your tent at night. Now it is time for tea and a buffet dinner. Please note that the hostel here that has been in existence for decades is closed. Here you will only find cold showers, no drinks and basic toilets.

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• Meals: Breakfast
• Distance: 8.9kms / 5.5mls "By bus in 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

We will wake up very early around 4:00 am to go to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), which overlooks Machupicchu so that we can appreciate the first rays of sunshine over this Inca Sanctuary. This last walk will take 1-2 hours, and with extensions further up during the last part of our excursion. You will be walking in the dark for an hour, so we recommend that you take a head torch. Please follow your guide's instructions and watch where you walk. From Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), an easy 50 minute descent to the citadel itself, the first steps take us to the upper southern sector of Machupicchu (the Guardian's houses).

The trail ends at a series of terraces, which present the classic views of the entire citadel. After enjoying these panoramic views, we have to walk down to the entrance of Machu Picchu to check in. A few minutes later, we will continue to explore this magical site, with explanations from the expert guides. The formal tour will end at midday and then we will have a few hours to explore more independently if you wish, or you can rest under a tree in the area of the central plaza.

Additional Options: If your legs, lungs and energy are still holding out after our four-day tour, it is possible to climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain. However, special permits are required and are issued in limited quantities. So if you are interested in climbing the Huaynapicchu, please book, pay in advance for this ticket, and apply for the second shift at 11:00 am. There are also options to do an excursion to the Inca Bridge and other trails around Machupicchu.

In the early afternoon, we will board a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will join our group for the final lunch that will be provided at the "Los Viajeros" Hostel. You can also take a shower and/or explore the town, shortly before taking the train back to Cusco. (9 pm arrival time in Cusco, Plaza Regocijo, end of our tour) Return to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu town and then board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station. "The train departure time may vary depending on the schedule and availability of the train". At the Ollantaytambo train station, you will meet our transport and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

ABOUT THE CAMPS ON THE INCA TRAIL:
Please note: Camps may change (according to the itinerary) depending on weather and availability of the reserve, weather conditions or restrictions adopted by the Peruvian government for security reasons.

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Breakfast at the hotel

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport in Cusco.

LIMA

• Transfer in/out airport - hotel - airport
• 01 night accommodation in Lima with breakfast
• Lima Colonial City Tour with revenue

CUSCO

• Transfer in/out airport - hotel - airport
• 03 nights accommodation in Cusco with breakfast
• Full Day Sacred Valley + Buffet Lunch
• Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and royalty group of the Inca Trail in our office so that we can provide you with accurate information before your hike. At this time, we will provide you with the canvas bags that will be carried by our Porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM before the trip begins. In case you cannot come at this time, please "let us know" so we can coordinate it.
• Tourist transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and you will travel by private transportation to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Royal Inca Trail to Machupicchu.
• Tourist guide with experience on the Royal Inca Trail: English speaking tourist guide, professionally educated and official with tourist certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion for teaching others about their heritage. Your guide will talk to you about the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the Inca Trail and will make sure you are safe and happy.
• Experienced Machupicchu cultural tour guide: Speaks English, professional, with tourist certification. To visit the sacred city of Machupicchu
• Private campsites: Each camp is carefully chosen to have a very personalized experience
  • Night 1: Enjoy the first night in Wayllabamba and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for four people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 2: Enjoy the second night in Pacaymayu on the Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for four people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 3: Enjoy the third night in Wiñay Huayna on the Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for four people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
• Note: It is not usual for accommodations or hotels to change after confirmation; however, it may vary according to government regulations and authorizations due to bad weather conditions and perhaps the physical condition of our visitors: Any changes and ITEP will be informing you in advance and as soon as possible.

• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Entrance ticket to the Inca site of Machu Picchu
• One canvas bag: You can keep your personal luggage; this bag will be carried by the passengers themselves. The porters can take your equipment but it will be an additional cost.
• Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the way, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals along our trip on the way to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no extra cost) Please note (first breakfast and last lunch not included)
• Boiled water: from your first lunch to your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the necessary water. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before being distributed. You must supply your own water bottles. We recommend that you bring about 3L.
• Waking up with tea: Every morning at the camp, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent to warm it up before the start of the day.
• Teatime every day during the hike: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will serve you popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of walking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, and enjoy a bite to eat!
• Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands and every morning there will be a bucket with warm water to wash up.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus Consettur to Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
• Train tickets: From Machupicchu village station to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed on the day of the meeting and is subject to availability) and Vistadome train on return for 4 and 5 star category.
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private tourist transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
• 24-hour guest service: We have a 24-hour telephone service available to facilitate communication and preparation with the agency leading to your trip.

• International and national air tickets
• Food not mentioned in Lima and Cusco
• Sleeping bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as - 18°C (0°F). They are shaped like mummies and include a sleeping pad. The bags are cleaned after each use.
• Walking sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you wish.
• Day 1: Breakfast on the Inca Trail: Approximately USD 5.00 to USD 10.00, the price may vary according to your selection.
• Last day on the Inca Trail: Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approximately USD 20.00 to 25.00, the price may vary according to your selection.
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for assistance staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid, so please feel free to tip or not as you wish "Recommendation USD 6 to USD 8 per day per traveler for all trekking staff"- Again this is optional and may vary according to your satisfaction.
• Additional costs or delays out of management control (landscape, bad weather conditions, modification of the itinerary for security reasons, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc).

• Canes (USD 15.00 for a pair of canes).
• Extra porter for personal items (USD 80.00 for 7 Kilos - max. 7 Kilos).
• Upgrade to the Vistadome train (USD 50.00).
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Sacred Mountain of Machupicchu (USD 75.00) - There is a limited space in Huayna Picchu (400 people per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
• You Need
• Original passport
• Sleeping bag (not included, but can be rented at our offices)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Wool warm-up jacket, hat and gloves
• T-shirts or polo shirts
• Comfortable pants
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Reusable plastic bottle or metal water container or camel bags.
• Water (only for the first 4 hours of walking, then we will give you the previously boiled water
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Flashlight with spare batteries (headlights are useful)
• Something else:
• Shorts
• Cane (with rubber tip)
• Bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)