The inca trail to Machupicchu is known as the famous trek in south America because in this place the Nature and the archeology creates an impressive nature scenery, so is possible to see how they got the equilibrium between the nature and the architectonic Inca work, surrounded by snow mountain chain known as Vilcabamba with some sacred mountains that over top 6000 mts as Salkantay, Humantay, and others this impressive magic scenery is completed with the cloud forest that surround the Inca citadel.
Your guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco for the 2 hour ride by private bus to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho. Here we will meet our porters and camp staff. As our porters load the heavy gear, we head off down river alongside the rushing Vilcanota River, through pretty cactus gardens with magnificent views of the Wakay-wilca snow-peak, to our right. We'll arrive at the Inca town of Llactapata and spend some time exploring this site before continuing up the Cusichaca valley to the small town of Huayllabamba where we camp for the night within view of the river (L, D)
After breakfast, we continue up through remnant cloud forest, ascending steadily to the head of a valley below the high pass of Warmiwañusca. If the weather is clear we’ll get spectacular views of the Huayanay snow peaks as we climb steadily over the pass and down to tree line in the Pacaymayo Valley. (B, L, D)
Today, a steady one to two hour climb takes us over the second pass where we pick up out first real signs of paved Inca road, climbing an impressive carved stairway to the minor ruins of Runcuracay. Continuing up this Inca stairway we cross the pass and drop down to the major and spectacular ruins of Sayacmarca; for lunch. Your guide will explain some of the mysteries of Incan architecture and Inca life and we’ll continue on along an exquisite paved Inca road, passing through mosses and orchids laden cloud forest, to our camp at Wiñayhuayna. (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast we star on the final part of the trek to Machupicchu. This site was only discovered in the 1940's and rivals Machu Picchu in splendor. From here its 2 hours through tree-ferns laded cloud forest to Intipunku, the sun gate, where we get our first and awe-inspiring view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We'll linger here and then wander through Machu Picchu itself in the late afternoon. After the tour you will have free time to wander around, and then you will meet with the rest of the group to drive by bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, transfer by train to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco transfer to your hotel. (B).
Important: Due to regulations brought in 2002, the Inca Trail (5, 4 or 2 days) is limited to 500 people per day (including Guides, porters and cooks). It is therefore necessary to book in advance to guarantee a place on the date you want to leave. For Inca Trail treks in the high season (June, July, August and September) it is advisable to book at least 4 months ahead.
Note: There is a US$.35.00 Discount for students with a valid ISIC card or children under 12 years old. The discount is purely the entrance fee which is determine by the INC-Instituto Nacional de Cultura.for that purpose you must fax or Email a clear copy of your card with your booking form so you can get the discount.
Peru Cloud Forest Adventures
Cusco - Peru
e-mail: info@perucloudforest.net
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