Machu Picchu

Our Machu Picchu trek includes 10 days and 9 nights in Peru following lush Peruvian paths along the classic Inca Trail. We will visit the breathtaking “Lost City of the Incas” and visit the unbelievable and surreal Rainbow Mountain. It has been more than 100 years since explorer Hiram Bingham first discovered the existence of Machu Picchu, and the majesty of the citadel has not diminished since.

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As modern-day adventurers, we begin our trip with a day introduction to the former Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Spend some time becoming familiar with the altitude of the region, visiting iconic ruins and traversing well-preserved cobblestone streets. Our journey along the Inca trail begins from there. We will climb through beautiful mountain valleys filled with wild orchids and rainbow-colored mosses. Cap each evening off with good conversation and deluxe camping accommodations.

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The journey along the trail comes to a close as we descend 2,000 stone-cut steps and approach the Gate of the Sun. Just beyond this magnificent viewpoint lie the glories of Machu Picchu. Experience the peace and solitude of these incomparable ruins before departing back home from Cusco.

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Additionally, we will climb to great heights to view the spectacular Rainbow Mountain: The Qechua people of the Andes call it Vinicunca Mountain, meaning "7 Color Mountain." The Rainbow Mountain hike is ranked by National Geographic as one of the top 100 places you should visit before you die.

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The colors are caused by mineral deposits that formed in layers over millions of years resulting in colored rock strata. The colors are most vibrant on cloudy days when the treeless landscape collides with the open sky to become the backdrop to a dazzling kaleidoscope of natural pigments. Because of the high altitude at Vinicunca, it's recommended that we do this hike at the end of our trip.

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Limited Trekking Permits - Join the Team Early

The Peruvian Government issues a limited number of Inca Trail permits per day. Due to the popularity of this spectacular route, permits generally sell out six months in advance.

Required

• Luggage (1 Piece)
• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
• Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
• Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
• Fleece/Wool Hat
• Fleece/Wool Gloves
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Insulated Jacket
• Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System
• Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
• Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight, with Anti-Diarrheal)
• Day Pack (21L-35L)
• Rubber Tips on Trekking Poles
• Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
• Sleeping Bag

Recommended

• Luggage Tags and Locks
• Passport/Money Belt or Pouch
• Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
• Underwear- maybe a change or two (should this go in the optional section?)
• Liner Socks (Synthetic)
• Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Sun Block and Lip Balm
• Toiletries
• Insect Repellant
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Sun Hat
• Camera and Accessories
• Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
• Socks (Synthetic)
• Long Underwear Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
• Trekking Poles (Rubber Tips Required)
• Sleeping Pad

Optional

• Bandana
• Ear Plugs
• Eye Mask
• Whistle
• Knee Supports
• Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
• Altimeter
• Compass
• Swimwear
• Compact Roll of Toilet Paper
• Personal Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Gel
• Large Plastic Garbage Bags
• Watch with Alarm or Travel Clock
• Reading and Writing Materials

Travel Documents

• Passport
• Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary)
• Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

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Day 1

Travel Day, Arrival to Lima - Peru

Many members of the team will be arriving to Lima the evening of June 5th. We will be helping with connecting flights if you have an immediately connection to Cusco or to book a hotel accommodation and transportation if you have long layover in Lima. Domestic flights to Cusco are scheduled the next morning on June 6th

Meal: No Meals Included

Day 2

Arrival to Cusco

Reception and transfer to the selected hotel in Cusco. In the afternoon we will visit the city of Cusco, during the tour, we will visit Main Square, the Stone of the 12 angles, and explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, this colossal stone fortress and temple sits on a steep hill overlooking the city and attests to the brilliance of Incan engineering. After a tour we are going to delight the Peruvian food in a dinner and music show to welcome you to the majestic City of Cusco.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3

Full Day Sacred Valley & Salt Mines

We will depart early to start our tour. First, we will go to Awanakancha land, where there is an exhibition of Llamas, Alpacas and diverse products, as well as beautiful textiles. Then, we will go to Pisac ruins, characterized by its Agricultural Platforms, water channels and the perfect Inca Architecture. After this visit we will stop in Tourist Restaurant to have lunch. Later afternoon, we will continue with the visit to Maras Moray, a place of depressions or natural gigantic holes in the surface of the area that was used to construct in its contours farming terraces or agricultural platforms with their respective irrigation canals. In Maras we can find the famous “Salineras” known by some as "Salt Pans". There are constituted by approximately 3000 small pans by an average area of approximately 5m², constructed in a side of the inclination of the mountain

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4

Day 1 Inca Trail - Wuayllabamba

The first day of the trek is relatively easy and serves as training for the days to follow. We start early this morning with breakfast at the hotel and then a 2 ½ scenic bus ride to a city named Ollantaytambo at kilometer 82, where our trekking begins. We trek along the banks of the Urubamba River until we reach the magnificent ruins of Llactapata. Once we arrive in camp the porters will have put up our tents and hot drinks will be served. After enjoying an evening meal, sleep will be early this evening as the effects of altitude and exertion take their toll. Total trek 6.8 miles.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Day 2 Inca Trail - Huayllabambapacaymayu

It is possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and starting with stunted cloud forest and outstanding views down the valley. After a few hours hiking, we head up to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman’s pass 4200m), during this part hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top, hikers can elebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail. We then descend into the Pacaymayu valley and camp there. Total trek 7.5 miles.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Day 3 Inca Trail - Pacaymayu - Winaywayna

We then climb again, passing the Inca ruins of Runcu Raccay, to the next pass giving us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins. A steep downhill on an old Inca stair case brings us into the Cloud Forest and the outstanding site of Winaywayna. This is another outstanding ruin full of orchids and swallows. Total trek 10 miles.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7

Day 4 Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

The trail from the campsite to Machu Pichu is clearly marked and takes about 1 ½ hours. We’ll wake up early, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by 5:00 am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 5:30 am and the first rays of sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7 am. The trail contours a mountainside and drop into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps, leading up to the final pass to Inti Punko (Sun Gate). From this point, the whole of Machu Picchu beauty is spread out before you in all its glory – A fantastic sight for all and a lifetime experience to remember forever. From here it’s a short descent to the world’s most famous ruins, where we will have a 2 hours guided tour. When we arrived to the ruins, we will have plenty time to take those iconic photos from the classic view point. At convenience time we will descend to town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and overnight at the Village. Total trek 4 miles.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8

Huayna Picchu Hike - Free Afternoon for Your Leasure

At appropriated time, we will be taking the bus from the Village to Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The people that chose to hike Huayna Picchu will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu again. At appropriated time, we will be taking the bus down to the village, do some local shopping and relax before taking the Train to return to Cusco. Evening at your leisure. Overnight at Cusco Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 9

Full Day Rainbow Mountain

Very early, we are going to leave Cusco by car, the estimated travel time is three hours, during which we will pass through traditional villages and see some amazing views of the Andes. We will begin the hike from the camp base named Chillca, at 3,700 m or 12,139 ft elevation. From here, it will be a four-hour, uphill hike to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, you will enjoy amazing views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and traditional llamas and alpacas grazing along the valley. Once we arrive at the top of Rainbow Mountain, you will have enough time to absorb the majesty of the red mountains that surround this area. You will also see amazing views of the valleys and Ausangate Glacier Peak in front of you. After taking a few amazing pictures and soaking in the views, we will begin our descent with a two-hour, downhill hike. Return to the city. Overnight in Cusco

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Celebration Dinner

Day 10

Depart From Cusco/Lima City Tour

AM Depart from Cusco: After breakfast, transfer to Cusco airport for our flight back to Lima.

PM City Tour Lima Colonial & Modern: Visit the most important sites of Lima and wrap yourself in its charm and tradition. Visit the impressive historical center and pass by the Main Square, The Government Palace, City Hall, The Archbishop’s Palace and the Cathedral. You’ll visit San Francisco Convent that displays the largest monumental group of Colonial Art found in America. Here you will find the catacombs, underground galleries where the first Christians buried their dead and practiced worship ceremonies. Immediately after, we will transfer back to the Lima airport to take our flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast

Meals

Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - 6: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Breakfast

Day 9 Breakfast, Box Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Breakfast

Daily snack backs are also provided.

Sleeping

We will be staying in a hotel in Cusco and tents throughout the trek. Deluxe camping equipment will be provided.

Travel

Bus transportation is provided.

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Included

Cusco & Aguas Calientes

• 4 nights in Cusco with breakfast in the selected hotel
• 1 night in Aguas Calientes with breakfast in the selected hotel
• Transfers In/Out
• City Tour and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman
• Full Day to Sacred Valley, visit Awanakancha, Pisac’s ruins and the Salt Mines Maras-Moray

Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

• Briefing before the trek
• Tourist bus transportation to beginning the trek
• Tourist bus transportation back from the trek
• One way Train ticket from Aguas Calientes in tourist service
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (With fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness)
• Daily snack bags
• Boiled water daily
• Vegetarian food on request
• Oxygen and first aid kit
• Free, safe storage in Cusco for your excess luggage & valuables
• English/Spanish speaker professional guide
• Camping equipment such as tents, cooking equipment, eating tent with table and chairs and toilet tents
• Entrance fees, bilingual guides Spanish - English.

Optional

• Porter for carrying personal belongings and additional equipment ($40 per day)
• Sleeping bag

Full Day Vinicunca - Rainbow Mountain

• Pre-briefing time at 19hrs in your hotel 1 or 2 days before your date departure
• All private transportation from your hotel to the starting point and back to Cusco
• Entrance to the Rainbow mountain park
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment (eating tent with table and chairs)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch Box, with fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness)
• Vegetarian food on request
• Oxygen and first aid kit
• Emergency horse (Just for give support in case is illness passengers)

Lima

• Assistance upon international arrival
• 4 hours Lima City Tour in a private transportation
• Transfer In/out

Excluded

• Other services non-mentioned in the program
• Porter for carrying personal belongings and additional equipment
• Domestic or international flights
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Gratuities, tips for guides, drivers, porters, waiters, etc.
• Expenses of personal nature (laundry, beverages, telephone calls, etc.)
• Excess baggage charges
• Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
• Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature
• Entrance ticket to Hayna Picchu Mountain additional cost $83.00

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Do I need to bring a tent?‍

No. The trekking company will bring the tent and carry the tent.

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Can I rent a sleeping bag and pad?

Sure, no problem, although many prefer a bag that someone else hasn't slept in.

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How high is the Rainbow Mountain?

Max elevation is 17,060.

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Are rubber tips really needed on trekking poles?

Yes, you will not be allowed to use your trekking poles unless they have rubber tips at the end.