Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Amazonas Explorer Inca Trail is known to be one of the most luxurious trekking experiences available.

'Hi Andy - just to let you know that I have returned safe and well having experienced the most fantastic holiday. I can fully recommend Amazonas Explorer - their planning was first class, all accomodation exactly how was suggested in the itinerary, staff on trek and transportation excellent. Our guide - Efrain, and his colleague Henry were fantastic in their knowledge and experience, and also great fun. Food superb - with high standards of hygiene.'

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is probably the most famous and popular trek in the whole of Peru if not South America. It is a spectacular trek through the high Andes on original Inca highway with a chance to visit extra-ordinary ruins, enjoy beautiful mountain views, walk through strikingly different climatic zones and finally experience the unique feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot.

Trekking it in a relaxed 5days/4 nights is the best way to thoroughly appreciate the special nature of this amazing trail whilst avoiding the busiest campsites. This also gives us a whole day in Machu Picchu to have it (at times) totally to ourselves.

TREKKING THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco is our base for this great expedition, a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. From Cusco we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Inca Fortress town of Ollantaytambo, before embarking on the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This five day / four night trek involves spectacular Andean scenery along an ancient paved Inca trail. We have plenty of time to treasure each view and the many ruins en-route The final night is spent in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes before spending the whole day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is by luxury train to Ollantaytambo where our waiting bus speeds us back to Cusco for a celebration meal.

This trip can be combined with a number of "Excellent Extensions" such as a trip to our Amazon rainforest lodge, the Colca Canyon, Rafting the mighty Apurimac river or a boat trip on Lake Titicaca.

DAY 2: Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

DAY 3: From Cusco we drive into the Sacred valley of the Incas, stopping to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. We believe in camping and trekking in style, whilst walking all you need to carry is your daypack. Our support team of traditional porters, carries all camping equipment and perform all camp chores. All food is prepared by the cook. (B / L / D)

DAY 4: We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680m). This has out-standing views down the valley. (B / L / D)

DAY 5: Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650m) where we camp. (B / L / D)

DAY 6: Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on Inca stairway to Winay-winay (2600m), another outstanding ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation.(B / L)

DAY 7: First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B/L)

DAY 8: There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).

DAY 9: Return Cusco to Lima or join one of Excellent Extensions - Contact us for details.

THE INCA TRAIL �- 9 DAYS (min 4 pax) £985
Lima - Cusco - Five day trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Cusco - Lima S/S £156

The Inca Trail is also available as a 5 day stand alone trek Cusco to Cusco for those who wish to join us in Cusco. Price £595 per person.

The Amazonas Explorer Inca Trail is known to be one of the most luxurious trekking experiences available. Our trip includes:
· Private, luxury bus transfer to and from Cusco
· All entrances including a guided tour of Ollantaytambo Inca fortress en route, the Inca Trail permit and Full guided tour of Machu Picchu
· A relaxed 5 day / 4 night combination (only 3 nights camping) avoiding the busiest campsites, allowing more time for clients to acclimatise before attempting the highest pass, plenty of time to visit the fascinating ruins en route and allowing a whole day to really explore Machu Picchu.
· A University trained Inca Trail guide, trained in wilderness first aid, fluent in English, highly knowledgeable and fun to be with
· State of the art camping equipment - Swiss imported tents (the biggest and most comfortable on the trail), Thermarest inflatable mattresses, dining, cook, porter and toilet tents
· Delicious hygienically prepared food - our menu was designed by the owner of the top restaurant in Cusco - A truly Gourmet cuisine experience.
· Full emergency first aid kit, oxygen, satellite phones and radio communications
· A variety of hotels and luxury packages to choose from in Aguas Calientes
· Luxury Autovagon or decadent Hiram Bingham train return to Poroy followed by private bus transfer to Cusco hotel.
· Well looked after porters - please ask for a copy of our "Porter Protection Policy"

Quite simply, if you are going to do the Inca Trail in style,we are your only choice!

WE PROVIDE:
All airport transfers, transport to the Inca Trail in private vehicle. All camping and cooking equipment: this includes spacious two-person tents, dining tent and toilet tent. An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen. A qualified, English speaking, Inca trail guide, all porters and a cook team. A guided tour in Machu Picchu, the $50 entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins, bus transfers to and from the ruins, train/bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco, and quality *** hotels in Lima and Cusco. All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner ).

NOT INCLUDED:
Personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes, personal expenses and tips.

EQUIPMENT LIST:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and t-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as low as zero degrees whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip- Amazonas Explorer will provide a thermarest .

SUGGESTED LIST
- Shorts - T-shirts
- A warm fleece or down jacket - Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf - Sweater (Available in Cusco)
- A raincoat - Socks / underwear
- Trekking trousers - After trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good / Well worn -in walking boots - After trek shoes (sandals)
- Sleeping bag (0'C) - Thermarest
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Sunglasses
- Sun-hat,
- Torch & Spare Batteries - Book, Notepaper & Pen (optional)
- Suntan lotion Factor 15+ / After sun - Lipbalm
- Binoculars (optional) - Camera & spare film 100 & 400 (optional)
- Pocket knife - Insect Repellent (High DEET content is best)
- Towel - Ski poles & protective covers
- Money belt - Smart clothes for Cusco nightlife
- Personal toilet kit
- Personal first aid kit to include:
Painkillers, Plasters (Band-Aids), Moleskin, Anti-biotic cream, General anti-biotics (ask your GP), After-bite, Anti-diarrhoea tablets, Throat lozenges, Re-hydration salts & personal medication. (Amazonas Explorer carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)

Please note:
· The porters carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
· Due to new Inca trail rules limiting the porters to 20Kg weight and the number of porters to two per person, we have to limit your heavy gear to 10Kg per person - this is usually more than adequate. We recommend friends share a rucksack to achieve this.
· Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst on the Inca trail.
· Inca trail regulations stipulate Ski poles are only allowed with PLASTIC PROTECTING COVERS. This is to prevent trail damage.
· We implement a 'porter protection policy' that ensures all porters are well treated, paid, fed and looked after. We do not however supply them with clothes (other than staff jumpers for the head staff). This is also true of our other freelance biking, trekking and rafting guides. Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc they will be gratefully received by our staff.

RECOMMENDED READING
Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost
Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming

BOOKING CONDITIONS IMPORTANT
The purchase of Inca Trail permits is a strictly controlled procedure by the Peruvian Institute of Culture. There are only 500 permits for guides, porters and trekkers per day. This has led to very competitive demand with permits sold out at least three months in advance.
With regard any trip that involves trekking the Inca Trail, we are therefore introducing the following booking conditions.
1: Space on a trip cannot be confirmed until we receive your booking form detailing:
Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Occupation without these details we are unable to purchase your Inca trail permit.

2: You must bring with you the passport with which the permit was issued - ie the passport number that you provided us with at time of booking - otherwise entry to the Inca Trail or KM 104 Inca Trail will not be permitted.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
2. Enclose a deposit of £200 per person plus any insurance premium and forward to Golden Hill Travel. If we are making international flight arrangements on your behalf full payment for the flight is required at the time of booking.
3. Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation, an infopack and guide to Machu Picchu.
4. The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
5. Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
The "Inca Trail" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Inca Trail so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavours to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events. The Inca Trail involves trekking over several high passes up to 4200m and involves steep descents on old Inca steps -it is recommended that you should have some previous trekking experience and should have a reasonable level of fitness.Should the weather be unsuitable for the helicopter flight we will have to return via train. Last minute internal flight changes and excess baggage charges are out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, whitewater rafting, inflatable canoeing, mountain biking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out an adequate travel insurance to cover these risks
A pre-departure meeting will be held on the day before departure. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form (a copy of which is available from Amazonas Explorer) and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.

INCA TRAIL

Lima - Cusco - Inca Trail - Cusco - Lima 9 days