DAY 1. Welcome to Cusco!

Welcome to Cusco city! One person from the Company Perutreks will be waiting for you at the airport in Cusco ready to take you to your hotel.

This day will be free to be spent at your own leisure. We recommend taking a stroll through the city´s charming cobblestone streets and visiting the local market of San Pedro or other places around cusco city. Use this day to acclimate to the higher altitude without overexerting yourself!

Your briefing session for the Inca Trail hike will take place at 18:30 hrs at your hotel. You will meet your guide and fellow hike members during your briefing session. We will use this time to check in as well.

Accommodation: Ayenda San Pedro or similar
Meals: Not included
Entrance Tickets: None required

DAY 2. Sacred Valley of the Incas (full day)

Sacred Valley Tour start early and head to the high mountain village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and spectacularly sited at high altitude (3,800m/12,500 ft.) We will visit a weaving house and have a demonstration on dyeing and weaving techniques as well as visiting the famous Chinchero market. From Chinchero, we descend to the base of the Sacred Valley and then onto Ollantaytambo, which features an impressive set of terraces leading from the village centre, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha. After that we will drive to Urubamba town.

We will a buffet lunch in Urubamba before heading to Pisaq – our final stop for the day. In Pisaq we will first the attractive ruins, built with breathtaking audacity by the Incas and then descend to the market at Pisaq before returning to Cusco, via the ruins at Sacsayhuaman. (If you are short of time this visit might be only very short).

This is a long but rewarding day for those who want to experience the best of the Sacred Valley in a short amount of time.

Places that are visited:

• Chinchero (traditional weaving center).
• Ollantaytambo fortress.
• Pisac Market.
• Pisac archeological site.
• Accommodation:  Ayenda San Pedro Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast at hotel & Lunch (Urubamba)
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 03: Cusco to Wayllabamba (12km)

The first day of the trek is relatively easy and serves as training for the days to follow. Travellers are collected early from their hotels (5:30 – 6:00am) and travel by bus, past the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 2 hours scenic trip to kilometre 82 (the start of the trail). Buses normally stop at the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley for about an hour to give people the opportunity to have breakfast.

The start of the Inca Trail is at km82, once you are going to arrive at km 82 the hikers will cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca (‘happy bridge’). The Incas, when they conquered the area, built a fort here since the site commanded an excellent view up and down the Urubamba valley and controlled the entrance to the Cusichaca valley. It is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca river. From parts of this trail there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba (Urubamba mountain range) and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m.

You’ll also get a good view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas. The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths.

For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means ‘grassy plain’. We will probably spend the night here depending on the speed of the group. This is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks.

Walking distance: 7 miles/12 km (5-6 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3000 m/ 9842ft
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windy
Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 04: Wayllabamba to Pacamayo (12km)

The steep climb up to the first pass (4200m)Climbing up from Wayllabamba following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to ‘Tres Piedras’ (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. There is a small campsite here toilet facilities. The stream is named after the Huayruro which is an ornamental tree. It’s seeds are red and black. Many of the porters from the Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos! A little further on you’ll enter a beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall.

A further three hours trek through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1.5 hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night’s campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.

Walking distance: 6.83 miles/11 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3580 m/ 11700ft(chilly weather)
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the highest pass)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy
Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 05: Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna (16km)

From Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below.

SayacmarcaAnother 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you’ll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up until the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you’ll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means ‘Inaccessible Town’ and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.

You have to backtrack a little to rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travellers on their way to Machu Picchu. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud-forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means ‘Town in the Clouds’. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six ‘Inca Baths’ probably used for the ritual worship of water.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) you descend a thousand or so steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day.

After about an hour of walking through cloud-forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna (no longer used), although it probably won’t be for another 2 hours until you arrive.

Wiñay Wayna is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu.

A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The name in Quechua means ‘forever young’ and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious centre associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

Walking distance: 9.4 miles/16km (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 m/ 8790ft(chilly weather)
Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid
Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 06: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu (5km), Return to Cusco

The trail from the Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and takes about 1.5 hours. We’ll wake early at 4.30am, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 5:30am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory – a fantastic sight for all.

When you arrive at the ruins you’ll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point’. When the group is back together again we descend to the main entrance where you can safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. The group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so after the tour you’ll have free time to explore the ruins alone. For information about climbing Huayna Picchu (optional)

The group will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town for lunch (at the ruins there is only one restaurant and it’s very expensive). The bus journey takes about 30 minutes. There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets. You may also wish to pay a visit to the town’s famous thermal springs which feel great after having completed the trail. Entrance to the springs costs US$5, allow 2 hours to really enjoy them.

The train departs from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (time can vary subject to ticket availability) and you’ll arrive back in Cusco , Included in our standard service is the tourist bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, return on the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where you will be collected and taken by bus back to Cusco.

Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30 AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
Accommodation: Ayenda San pedro or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance Tickets: All Included (except Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket)

DAY 7. Rainbow Mountain

The pick up from your hotel will be at 04:00 or at 04:20 hrs.  (About the pick up time will be up to you)  And then we will drive for 3 hours approximately until the village of Cusipata, in this place will take your breakfast, culminated this we will continue driving for 1 hour aprox.  to the village of Chilca, from this point will start our adventure, the walk will be between  1 hour up the hill aprox. where you can see beautiful landscapes full of streams , mountains, lakes, snow-capped mountains as well as flora and fauna, after this time to get to our desired destination Vinicunca or Hill of colors taking adequate time to capture this magical place in photographs and in our memories, in addition to this place we can also appreciate the Apu Ausangate, nevado more venerated by the Incas. Then live this magical experience we descend again to Chilca for 1 hour down the hill to the bus station and the back to Cusipata for our lunch, finally return to the city of Cusco arriving at Regocijo square at 17:30 hrs approximately.

Accommodation: Ayenda San Pedro hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 8. CUSCO – PUNO BUS

After an early breakfast, we will pick you up between 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. to transfer you to the bus station, where you will take the tourist bus. This is a full-day ride to Puno. You will enjoy stops along the way and visit some Inca and pre-Inca ruins. When you arrive at Puno, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

Once at your hotel you will get a quick briefing session. This can be done in person or through a phone call.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 9. Lake Titicaca and Homestay in Amantani Island

Pick-up will be between 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. You will be transferred to the lakes port where you will take a boat to the floating island of Uros, where you will have time to explore around.

Following this, you will take a boat ride to the next island, Amanti Island, where you will stay with a local family. Tonight will be a basic accommodation, but a memorable one, as you will be surrounded by a nice family. This will allow for an opportunity to see how the indigenous people of the lake live. In the afternoon, you will climb the mountain up to the Temple of Pachatata to watch the sunset and party with the locals.

Accommodation: Overnight with local family in Amantani Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

DAY 10. Taquile Island & Return to Puno

You will have an early breakfast with the family and take a boat to the next island called Taquile. This island is known for its intricate and rich textile and weaving traditions and sustainable tourism practices. You will have the opportunity to walk around the island and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake, you will return to Puno around 3:30 p.m. 

We hate to see you leave but hope you enjoyed your adventure exploring the gems of south Peru!. Our transfer will come to pick you up from the port of lake titicaca in Puno ready to take you to the airport in Juliaca or bus station in Puno.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Entrance Tickets: All Included

All fees are based on double room occupancy. Single rooms can be booked for an additional fee.

END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUDED

• • Professional Guides: All of our guides studied tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
  • Hotels: This tour package includes all hotels (2-star rating) listed in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Puno.

1.  Extra nights can be easily added upon request.
2. All rooms are based on double occupancy. Single room surcharges apply.
3. Upgraded hotels (4-star & 5-star rating) are also available upon request.
4. All tour packages can be booked without hotel accommodation upon request.

1. • Transportation: All ground transportation is included in this tour package. The return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is also included.
   • Meals: All meals listed are included in this tour package.
   • Entrance Tickets: All entrance tickets listed are included in this tour package.
   • Inca Trail Hike: Below are the services included during your Inca Trail hike
   • Briefing: This is where they will receive their duffel bag that will stay with the porters while they hike.
   • Our Porters from PeruTreks: All our treks include a personal porter at no additional fee. They will carry up to 7kg of personal belongings for each trekker.
   • Meals: All meals are included except for the lunch after Machu Picchu. All meals are cooked by PeruTreks Chefs. Water will also be provided during the last 2 days hike.
   • Equipment:the tents are for 4 person tents that are shared by only two people. You will also have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
2. NOT INCLUDED
   • Flights: International and domestic flights are not included.
   • Gratuities: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
   • Travel insurance: This is not required, but highly recommended. For those of you who live at sea level, landing in Cusco will take an adjustment period. Most people need one or two days to adjust. In case you have a hard time adjusting to the altitude, it is suggested to have protection for missed tours.
   • Inca Trail Hike: Below are the services NOT INCLUDED during your Inca Trail hike:
     • Rentals: Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent.

• Sleeping bag: $20
• Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
• Walking sticks (pair): $15

1. • • Huayna Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Original Passport (the same used for booking your trek)
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged).
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from PT – Inca trail)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG (If you hired an extra porter from us – Inca Trail)

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD.

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

• We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips