INKA TAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 5D/4N
Private Service

The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is the most renowned treks in the Peruvian Andes, and ranks among  the most popular and beautiful in the world. This 43 kilometer long trip combines a number of outstanding features, such as long hidden and rediscovered archaeological remains,  stupendous mountain scenery, dense cloud forest  containing an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, a truly astounding marvel of architecture and engineering  as is the Inka Road, winding up in the most wondrous and dazzling  prize of all: the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu. The present 5-day program represents an excellent alternative that allows avoiding the larger numbers and congestion of trekkers encountered in the course of the standard 4-day trip, through  the implementation of  a differing sequence of campsites, utilizing lesser known and more remote ones. It is likewise preferable and more recommended for families with children, since it affords a better and longer period of acclimatization to altitude as well as shorter daily walking distances than the 4-day version does

Itinerary

Day 01 -  Cusco to Llactapata

Departure from Cusco at 8:00 a.m. aboard private transport  which will drive us to the trailhead  situated at a point corresponding to kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Pichu railway on the right bank of the Urubamba river. Here there is a bridge spanning the river.  We cross over to the left bank and hike along it on relatively level terrain to shortly reach the small settlement of Miskay (elevation: 2800m/9184ft above sea level). This is followed by an ascent, at the conclusion of which we each a point with commanding overlook of the surrounding area and the valley flor. We are rewarded with a stupendous view of the Inca city of Llactapata (elev.: 2750m/9020ft) lying several hundred meters below and situated close to the  point of confluence of the Kusichaka River with the Urubamba. We descend toward the archaeological site and set up camp in the vicinity of it, after having hiked for about 3 hours. The rest of the day is devoted to the visit and exploration of the neighboring ruins.
Meals: L,D

Day 02 -   Llactapata to Llulluchapampa

We rise early and begin to trek up the valley of the Kusichaka River, gradually ascending until reaching the farming community of Wayllabamba, which is built on top of a preexisting Inka site. All along this section we have been privileged with spectacular views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba. Another feature of interest in this part of the hike is the abundance of birdlife, especially hummingbirds. We leave the main Kusichaka River Valley and begin ascending the tributary valley of Llulluchayoc following an easterly direction in the direction of Warwihuañusca pass ("Dead Woman Pass").

This is generally regarded as the most difficult or demanding section of the entire trek, consisting of a steep climb of some 9 kilometers and close to 1000 meters/ 3200 feet of elevation. There are, nevertheless, redeeming features for the appreciative mind, such going through sections of cloud forest. There is abundant birdlife, with a predominance of Finches, Thrushes, Tanagers and Seed-eaters, although several species of hummingbirds, wrens and oropendula are also present. The cloud forest is also one of the preferred environments of the Andean Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus) although in this particular section they have not been sighted for a long time. We eventually rise above the tree line into a fringe area with a predominant vegetation composed of shrubs of ericaceae (heath) and compositae (daisies, dandelions, etc) and immediately pass into the high puna grassland, which in its upper section gives way to the sponge-like growth of the Yareta plant (Azorella compacta) and other related mosses and succulents. Here, on the plateau at the head of the valley and at the foot of the pass –a site known as Llulluchapampa- we camp (elevation: approx 3800m/12500ft a.s.l). Our most immediate and personal advice is that o this and the following day you stock your daypack with an ample supply of  candy, chocolates and coca leaves –the latter accompanied with the necessary lime or bicarbonate catalyst to activate the useful alkaloids contained within. All these will contribute to maintain a high level of sugar in the metabolism, increase oxygenation and augment your hemoglobin count, allaying any possibility of altitude sickness. It works !
Meals: B. L,D

Day 03 -   Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

Today we surmount the highest point of the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu: the pass of Warmihuañusca (elev.: 4200m/13776ft. a.s.l) –a two hour ascent from our campsite. There are fine views of the surrounding mountains from the summit. We then descend into the Pacamayo river valley (elev.: 3600 m/11808 ft. a. s. l.)  Almost immediately after touching the valley bottom, the trail rebounds and begins ascending the second pass, known as the Abra de Runkurakay (elev.: 3870m/13022ft. a. s. l.). Halfway to the summit lies the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, located at an elevation of 3800m/12464ft. a. s. l. Once having surmounted the pass, we begin descending following a well defined Inka road, paved with granite flagstones and steps of quarried and dressed blocks of stone. The flora is exclusively native American, with no imported or exotic species present. Particularly conspicuous are the many varieties of Bromeliads. We pass by Yanacocha (Black Lake), gradually entering the fringes of the vegetated area, until reaching the archaeological complex of Sayacmarca (elev.:3624m/11887ft a. s. l.). Upon descending from Sayacmarka back on to the main trail we enter a stretch of dense cloud forest with a marked abundance of epiphytes and thick cushioning of sphagnum moss. We ascent a moderate gradient following a wide Inka road that eventually flows laterally on to the third pas of the Inka Trail, the Abra of Phuyupatamarka, the elevation of which is cited as 3700m/12136ft
a. s. l.

Just below the Phuyupatamarca Pass, lies the archeological complex of Phuyupatamarca. Hiram Bingham partially uncovered only the upper sections of it in 1915. There are also impressive views of the canyon of the Urubamba river several thousand meters below as well as a constant flow of clouds and mist rising from the valley bottom, condensing at higher altitudes and recycling back to vapor, thus accounting for the distinctive name of the site. We camp in close proximity of it.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 04 -   Phuyupatamarca  to Machu Picchu

On this morning we stand a fair chance of appreciating what is probably the most spectacular sunrise ever on the Inka trail. From an elevated vantage point above the ruins and close by our camp we can take in a 360° panorama of all the surrounding cordilleras, among them the Pumasillo massif of the Cordillera Vilcabamba to the west, as well as Salkantay along with the seldom seen Pallcay to the south and the Urubamba –Verónica range to the north-northeast. After indulging in this wonderful experience, it is time to carry onward. From the lower section of the Phuyupatamarca complex, a road –in many parts actually a steep stairway composed of thousands of steps and thousands of meters- discovered as recently as 1983, descends to Wiñaywayna (elevation: 2650m/8692ft. above sea level). This is  yet another archaeological site, in fact it is the largest site on the Inca trail, second only to Machu Picchu.

One more hour of hiking through the cloud forest on a walkway paved with ashlars, brings us to Intipunku ("the Gateway of the Sun") from where we can finally cast our eyes upon the fabulous hidden city of Machu Picchu. If the weather complies, we should enjoy a grand view of the citadel. From Intipunku, a 40 minute descent leads us to the so-called "House of the Guardians" and the entranceway to the citadel. From here we proceed down to the tourist center and board a bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes where those who may wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relaxation in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes we spend the night in comfortable accommodations reserved in a predetermined hotel.
Meals: B. L,D

Day 05 -   Machu Picchu to Cusco

We rise early and board a bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu,. Upon arrival we immediately set forth on a complete guided tour of the site, lasting approximately 2 hours. Once the tour has concluded we will have free time at our disposal to walk around, explore and climb to the summit of Huaynapicchu mountain (usually seen in the background of the classic vista of Machupicchu) from where quite spectacular views of Machu Pichu seen from a different angle –as well as the breathtaking and dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks and the great gorge of the Urubamba canyon- can be fully appreciated. it is likewise possible, from the summit of Huayna Picchu,  to visit the Temple of the Moon. Another feature of interest accessible from Machu Picchu is the vertiginous Inka Bridge. Come the afternoon, we all converge and meet up in the town of Aguas Calientes where those who may wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relaxation in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes. we board the afternoon train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: -

Services Included:

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel in Cusco to Trailhead at Kilometer 82 on Day 01
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu admission fee (valid  days 01 -04) + Machu Picchu admission fee on day 05
• English-Speaking  Professional Mountain Guide (additional guide for groups exceeding 08 Participants.
• Camping and Logistical Infrastructure, Tentage, etc:

(a)  Twin person accommodations in large capacity 4-person tents in order to provide greater loft, space and comfort as well as ample storage space for personal belongings and gear.  Our tents are 3-season, with not more than 2 years of usage and well maintained for optimum field performance.

(b)  One foam sleeping mat per person

(c) Optional upon request: One comfortable -10°C temp. range mummy sleeping bag. These bags are dry cleaned after each use and possess a life/use of 30 trips after which they are retired.

(d) Dining and Mess Tent, including camp tables and stools.

(e) Separate Kitchen/Cooking Tent

(f) Professional Trail Cook, Staff, and all Commissary facilities and appurtenances 

(g) Toilet Tent

• Porters for  transport of all camping and commissary equipment
• Porters for transport of  personal gear up to 9 kg. per pax (incl. sleeping bag and mat.)
• Separate accommodations and tents for Guides, Cooking staff and Muleteers
• All Meals and Commissary as stipulated ((03B, 04L, 03D + daily snack and tea service except on last day)
• Others:  Wake-up tea + Hot washing water every morning and every evening / water boiled to purification point for filling flasks and water bottles every morning and evening, as well as at lunchtime pending prior request
• First aid support and oxygen.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the town of Aguas Calientes –day 04
• Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 5th day
• Train fare from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker or Vistadome service, upon request)
• Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco

Services Not  Included:

• Breakfast on Day 01
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes on day 4
• Lunch and Dinner on last day:  after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time for lengthier visit of the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense as well..
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to cap off the  trek while awaiting departure on the return train to Cusco. The baths are only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is US$ 1,50. Extra towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes. Use of swimming costume is obligatory.