Peru trek
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cusco to km 82 by vehicle; hike to Llaqtapata Campsite
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Llaqtapata
With your guide, you will take a private car to Km 82 on the railway to Machu Picchu. From here, you hike along the Urubamba River stopping at Q'oriwayrakina for lunch. At Km 88, cross the small bridge at Q'ente and hike to the Llaqtapata campsite. If there is time you may take a side trip to visit the archaeological remains of Qente and Machu Qente and the Llaqtapata ruins, the camp is located amidst Inca terracing. Shower and massage upon arrival at campsite! (Hiking time: 5-6 hours; Distance: 11 kms).
- Meals: LD
- Luxury Lodging: Llaqtapata Campsite
Day 2 : Hike Llaqtapata to Llulluchapampa Camp
Visiting: Llaqtapata, Llulluchapampa
The Inca Trail winds slowly up the Cusicacha Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the Trail ascends steeply to a large pampa (meadow) below the first pass. At this campsite there is a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the Trail up this narrow hanging valley is a rare Andean cloud forest that harbors the Que'ua tree. Shower and massage upon arrival at campsite! (Hiking time: 6 hours; Distance: 9 kms)
- Meals: BLD
- Luxury Lodging: Llulluchapampa Campsite
Day 3 : Hike Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca Camp
Visiting: Llulluchapampa, Phuyupatamarca
The Trail ascends at 30 degrees as it leaves Llulluchapampa campsite and beyond the treeline arrives at Warmiwa?usca Pass (4,200m/13,280ft). The Inca Trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past Runkuraqay ruins. Over a low pass to Sayacmarca ("the waiting village") the Inca Trail crosses a causeway on a now-dry lake past a cave and continues along a ridge to Phuyupatamarca ("village on the edge of the clouds"). Shower and massage upon arrival at campsite! (Hiking time: 7-8 hrs; Distance: 14 kms)
- Meals: BLD
- Luxury Lodging: Phyyupatamarca Campsite
Day 4 : Hike Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu via Winay Wayna and Inti Punku
Visiting: Phuyupatamarca, Machu Picchu
After continuing along a buttress and passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flagstone trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The recently restored Inca ruins are located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest the Inca Trail arrives at Machu Picchu and the magnificent citadel, Intipunku ("door of the sun"). Shuttle to hotel. Massage not included today.
- Meals: BLD
- Luxury Lodging: 5-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Full day tour and visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cusco.
Visiting: Machu Picchu, Cusco
The whole day is dedicated to exploring these extraordinary Inca remains with your guide, including an optional climb up Wayna Picchu, the hill overlooking the site. Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. Mid-afternoon return to Cusco by Vistadome train; transfer to your local hotel.
- Meals: BL