Cusco : Inca Trail 7 days Trek to Machu Picchu with tickets – Cusco, Peru

EXPERIENCE:

Day01 : Arrival at cusco Airport :
Upon reaching Cusco and transferring to your hotel, your guide will arrange a welcome meeting for a brief overview of the tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire nestled in the Andes Mountains. Explore the juxtaposition of Spanish churches and mansions with Inca remnants, and savor the lively nightlife or try out local Peruvian restaurants.

Day02 : Explore Cusco on Your Own :
After your breakfast, take advantage of a leisurely day to discover Cusco at your own pace. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this city now holds the esteemed title of the premier archaeological capital of the Americas and stands as the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent.

Day03 : Start The Inca Trail Adventure – Ayapata Camp :
We’ll meet at Hotel at 04:30 and proceed to ‘Piscacucho’ for check-in, showing passports and tickets at the control point due to limited Inca Trail access. Take this opportunity for restroom use, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Embark on the Inca Valley journey, following the steps of the great Inca master towards Machu Picchu. Starting at 2,720m/8,923 ft, the trail leads across the Vilcanota River, then ascends through the cloud forest, offering views of ‘Huillca Raccay’ fortress and ‘Patallacta’ Inca site. Admire the Urubamba mountain range, the ‘W’akay Willca’ snow-capped peak (Veronica) at 5,860m/19,225 ft, and the beauty of Andean nature on the first day of the Inca Trail 4-day hike. Set up our first campsite near Wayllabamba village at 3,000m/9,842 ft in the temperate valley, with nighttime temperatures around 5ºC (depending on the month).

Day04 : Wayllabamba – Chaquicocha Camp :
After breakfast prepared by our cooks, we’ll start our day at 5:30 am, needing daylight and strength for the upcoming challenging trek. We’ll climb a steep ascent, a sacred pilgrimage route for the Inca, reaching the highest pass at 4,200 m/13,779 ft, known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass.’ It’s a proud achievement to reach this point. After a rest, we’ll descend to our lunch stop at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646 ft), where we’ll see hummingbirds, various bird species, and unique native plants like the ‘Polylepis.’ Following lunch, a 2-hour climb takes us to Runkurakay pass at nearly 4,000m, where we’ll set up camp by 5 pm. Nighttime temperatures at this campsite hover around 4ºC.

Day05 : Chaquicocha Camp – Wiñay Wayña Camp :
Camping amidst stunning landscapes with unique Andean flora and fauna is fantastic. On day 3, we’ll cover a distance of 10km (around 5 hours). After breakfast, we’ll embark on a gentle climb to the archaeological site ‘Phuyupatamarca,’ meaning ‘Town in the Clouds.’ This marks the third highest point on the trail at 3,680m, offering spectacular views of mountains and canyons. Passing through the Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca,’ we’ll descend 3,000 steps through the cloud forest to reach the impressive ‘Intipata’ agricultural site. Continuing our trail, we’ll arrive at the third campsite, Wiñay Wayna, at 2,680m (8,792 ft), after 4 to 5 hours of walking, reaching camp by lunchtime. Near our campsite is the Inca site ‘Wiñay Wayna’ or ‘Forever Young,’ a must-visit as we approach the completion of the Inca Trail hike.

Day06 : Wiñay Wayña Camp – Machu Picchu :
The Inca, son of ‘Inti’ (The Sun), alone treaded the path to glory on the Inca Trail, leading to Machu Picchu. Now, you too are part of this royal journey, connecting with the spiritual Apus. Completing the trail transforms your perspective. Day 4 covers 5 km in about 2 hours. Rise early, grab breakfast, and head to ‘Intipunku’ (‘Sun gate’) for a Machu Picchu sunrise at 2,730 m (8,792 ft). After admiring the view, descend to capture the classic city postcard photo. Enjoy a guided tour and have 2 hours to explore on your own or hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. Meet the guide in Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and receive tickets back to Cusco via train and bus.

Day07 : Cusco – Airport :
Following breakfast, your final day at your own pace before heading to the airport for your journey back home through Lima.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Embark on the Unesco -listed Machu Picchu through the historic Inca Trail
Arrive at Machu Picchu in time to witness the sunrise on the last day.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous tourist attraction.
Hiking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail

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