This is our combo six-day Cuzco sightseeing and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This magnificent hike is for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with some brakes in the day, the beauty and history of the area surround the hiker every step of the way. On the last morning we arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty of time to explore the ruins before your return to Cusco by train.

Transfer from Hotel in Lima to airport and upon arrival to Cuzco airport, greeting and transfer to Hotel. Time to acclimatize to high altitude with coca leaf p.m guided city tour around Cuzco to the near by Incas ruins. KenKo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman return to hotel. Overnight.

Piskakucho (Km. 82) – Huayllabamba A spectacular early morning train ride until our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp.

Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We climb the steep-sided Llullucha valley past a rushing stream and through enchanted native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the Puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft). Here we encounter spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass, and look back to the sweeping snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay. The trail to the floor of the forested Pacaymayo valley, where we make camp.

Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna
We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At thse third pass pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca. Pausing to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spillins down the mountainside here, we begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to our camp by the ruins of Wiñay Wayna Eternal Youth, the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites.

Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu - Cusco
An early morning hike takes us across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the early afternoon a bus takes us to the small town of Hot Springs, where we board our return train to Cusco.Transfer to the hotel.

Early morning Transfer from Hotel to airport for early morning flight to Lima Upon arrival in Lima, transfer from airport to Hotel.

• A good sleeping bag. (Sleeping bags may be rented by request.
• Day pack or fanny pack... for daily items and camera.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Rain jacket or rain poncho.
• Canteen or plastic water bottle.
• Warm jacket for cool evenings.
• Wool sweater.
• Wool or flannel shirt.
• Pants (two short and two long for the evenings).
• T-shirts or light cotton shirt.
• Hat with brim.
• Flashlight (the campsite has its own light but you will need this in your tent).
• Personal medications.
• Binoculars.
• Camera and film.
• Towel & toiletries.
• Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes.
Regulations on the Inca Trail
Only 500 persons are permitted to start the Inca Trail per day. This includes visitors, porters, cooks, and guides. It is therefore essential to make the Inca Trail reservations well in advance. Each reservation request must include complete names, nationality, date of birth, passport number and the program (5, 4 or 2 days) that you desire.

Note: Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated.