- Cusco
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Puno
- Titicaca Lake
Great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the valleys, passing very important archaeological sites and temples designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area
Highlights
10 Day – Exploring Through the Sacred Land of the Incas
On Exploring Through the Sacred Land of the Incas – Lake Titicaca Tour & Inca Trail Hike, visit the Inka Museum and move onto the temple of Qoricancha, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo. Likewise, explore the old capital of the Inca Empire and be ready for the famous Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
After that, you will have a special journey to Puno by bus which allows us to visit the many diverse locations. For example, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and Pucara. Then, once in Puno, we will have a full day of boat excursion afloat Titicaca Lake tour and we will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands Taquile and Amantani.
The people are cheerful and proud of their origin and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca.
1ST. DAY: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO – INKA MUSEUM AND KORICANCHA
2ND. DAY: FREE DAY
3RD. DAY: FIRST DAY TREK: PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (12KM)
4TH. DAY: SECOND DAY TREK: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11KM)
5TH. DAY: THIRD DAY TREK: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (15KM)
6TH. DAY: FOURTH DAY TREK: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5KM)
7TH. DAY: DEPARTURE TO PUNO (ROUTE OF THE SUN)
8TH. DAY: UROS (FLOATING ISLANDS) – AMANTANI ISLAND
9TH. DAY: TAQUILE – PUNO
10TH. DAY: DEPARTURE DATE FROM JULIACA -PUNO
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO, INKA MUSEUM, AND KORICANCHA
Firstly, shuttle from the airport to the hotel. So, the rest of the morning will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). Then, in the afternoon we will visit the Inka Museum, home to thousands of years of Andean culture. Here we will become more familiar with the origins and beginnings of Andean civilizations.
Continuing with the tour, we will move onto the temple of Qoricancha Cusco, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo. During, its construction they had already achieved the greatest advances of their time, and this temple may have been the exact representation of the center, or “Navel of the World”. Therefore the center of the world, as dictated by the pre-hispanic Andean cosmovision.
- Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 2: FREE DAY – OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Likewise, free day to explore the old capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary navel of the world. For example, Colonial churches, multiple parks, and squares, and colonial mansions built atop perfectly constructed original Inca walls. Also, artesian stores full of souvenirs of all kinds – weavings, jewelry, stonework, and more! And of course, local restaurants with the best of Andean cuisine!
- Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 3 TO 6: 4 DAY INKA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
This ancestral roadway is not only filled with unique archaeological sites. But, also combines an extensive sacred geography home to a beautifully biodiverse flora and fauna. As a result, in Inca times this sacred road was reserved only for select and well-prepared individuals, on their way to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The 43Km of classic Inca Trail itinerary is as follows:
DAY 3: FIRST DAY TREK: PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (12KM)
After breakfast, we will travel to the starting location of the trail, known as kilometer 82. This first day is relatively easygoing and smooth as we move along visiting ruins such as the city of Patallacta. So, this ruin, constructed at the foot of a mountain, was a very important center that had administrative, economic, and religious functions. Also, we visit Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta.
Then, visiting these two sites we will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca (“happy bridge”) River. As a result, observing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaeological sites. Continuing our gradual walk upward we will arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.
- Lodging: Campsite at Wayllabamba
DAY 4: SECOND DAY TREK: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11KM)
Firslty, we will begin our day very early to reach at the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).
Also, the trek in the morning is rather physically intense, more so for those who are not accustomed to hikes at this altitude, yet it is also one of the most spectacular. Therefore, in the first part of the trail, we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving at the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.
Likewise, Two hours later we will arrive at another campsite, Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, a great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, before descending a few hours to our next campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.
- Lodging: Campsite at Pacaymayu
DAY 5: THIRD DAY TREK: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (15KM)
We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain. Similarly, it was in ancient times a tambo, or resting place. Then, another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 ft). Consequently, we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. After that, we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.
From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a marvelous display of Nature’s beauty. As a result, the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu.
Finally, we will descend to our last campsite, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.
- Lodging: Campsite at Wiñayhuayna
DAY 6: FOURTH DAY TREK: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5KM)
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. Above all, the trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise in the Andes.
Afterward, a 45 minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu, a natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors.
So, the tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours, then you will have time to explore the citadel by yourselves and you can also climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (at an extra cost and have to be booked in advance). Finally, in the afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch, then return to Cusco by train.
- Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE TO PUNO (ROUTE OF THE SUN)
We will depart from the bus terminal and head towards Puno. Certainly, this special journey by bus which allows us to visit the many diverse locations along the way on the route of the sun. So, there will we planned stops to visit the following:
Andahuaylillas (the Sistine Chapel of the Americas; this temple is one of the best examples of the fusion between Catholic and Andean religions)
Raqchi: A Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. This is the only known temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, creator of the Universe.
La Raya: Midway point on our journey and highest point on the road – 4335 m.s.n.m. The impressive views here allow us to admire the rugged high altitude. This is the geographic border between two cultures, the Quechua of Cusco and the Aymara of Puno.
Pucara: This ceremonial center is one of the oldest and most important of the high plains, well known for its lithic structures and tombs.
- Lodging: Puno Qalasaya Hotel*** or similar.
DAY 8: UROS (FLOATING ISLANDS) – AMANTANI ISLAND
A full day of boat excursion afloat Lake Titicaca tour. Firstly, we will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands. So, the islanders will give us a presentation about their lifestyle upon their man-made islands. Certainly, built using the totora reed which grows among the shores of the lake. We will learn about their existence on these small islands and how they have adapted to their conditions.
After that, we will arrive to the island of Amantani. Here we will meet the Quechua families that will offer us a cosy homestay style lodging and prepare us traditional food for lunch. Then, we will make the short ascent to the two hilltops of the island while observing the daily lifestyle of the local people. From this point, we will visit two ancient pre-Inka temples, Pachatata and Pachamama (father & mother cosmos). Finally, in the evening after dinner, the community members will hold a small welcoming party for us.
- Lodging: Amantani (HOME STAY)
DAY 9: TAQUILE – PUNO
After breakfast on Amantani we will board the boat again to make the short trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. So, here we will ascend the beautiful stone paths to the community, a small and quite shy population. However, not to mention very hard-working and wise, a culture full of art and tradition. Also, Taquiles’ people are cheerful and proud of their origin and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca Peru.
- Lodging: Puno Qalasaya Hotel*** or similar.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE DATE FROM JULIACA -PUNO
Finally, a brief transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca. (End the tour)
What's Included
INCLUDES BEFORE AND AFTER CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR PACKAGE:
- Airport transfers.
- Breakfast included in the accommodations
- 03 lunch, 01 Dinner.
- All transportation.
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Entrances for day 01
- 05 night’s accommodations in 3 stars hotels.
- 1 night at Amantani island with a homestay
- Uros,Amantani,Takile tours.
- Turistic bus to Puno.
INCLUDES FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL HIKE:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Km82
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first day of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks (happy hour), and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
Dining tent with tables and chairs - 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Inflatable sleeping mattress -(you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
- Trekking poles (Can be hired from us).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain Extra US$85
- Tips.
- First breakfast and last lunch of the Inka Trail are not included.
- Extra Personal porter.($ 80), To carry 05kg /11.02 lb.
- Single Supplement (US $400 for accommodation and tent).
- International and intra-flights.
- Meals where are not stated
- Gratitudes
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Original Passport
- Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- A waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
Extra Services?
SERVICE FOR INCA TRAIL | PRICE |
---|---|
Hire of sleeping bag 5 season | $25.00 |
Walking stick highly recommended! | $15.00 |
Single supplement | $ 400.00 |
Additional porter for 5 kg. | $80.00 |
Additional night at 3 star hotel | $85.00 |
Availability
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