Machu Picchu - Peru
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TRIP COST: $4,249/person, double occupancy (hotels, tents)*
This price covers the Inca Trail Permit, two entrance times to Machu Picchu, Guides, Porters, Tips on the Inca Trail, permit for climbing Huayna Picchu, meals as identified in the schedule, all ground transportation while in Peru, and permits into the Sacred Valley, Salt Mines, Machu Picchu, and other group activities. It also covers our cost for supplies and meals while serving at the Andiva Cannis Mission Project, training and guidance prior to the trip, and custom leadership by G1AT Staff.
CANCELLATION POLICY ADDENDUM: Once Inca Trail permits are purchased in early October 2023, we cannot making any additions or changes. As a result, the following cancellation policy applies to this trip: Cancellation before September 30, 2023: If you or G1AT are able to fill your spot before the Inca Permits are purchased, you will receive a refund less 10% of registration fees paid. If your spot is unable to be filled, deposit is non-refundable Cancellation between September 30, 2023 - January 14, 2024 : Deposit not refundable. Any additional registration fees paid subject to 5% cancellation fee. Cancellation after January 14, 2024: Deposit non-refundable. Balance of registration fees will follow standard cancellation policy fee schedule. WHAT'S INCLUDED
About the included MissionSafe IQ Gold Plan with COVID coverage + hotel quarantine benefit: This premium coverage includes
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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G1 Adventure Tours and Ian Taylor Trekking are partnering to offer this very custom, private tour. G1 Adventure Tours is a small Christian adventure tour company that serves the churches that are part of G1 Outdoors (see www.g1outdoors.com), a network of churches and other ministries using adventure sports to attract and attach people to Jesus and His Church. Ian Taylor Trekking (https://iantaylortrekking.com/ ) is one of the top tour companies in the world. G1 Adventure Tours works with them for this trip as well as climbs to the summit of Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp.
TRIP DESCRIPTION:
See the schedule below to see how we acclimate for our adventure by spending a few days touring the former Inca imperial heartland, the Sacred Valley. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,152' which is a big challenge for many of our people to adapt to when coming from near sea level. The Sacred Valley sits at an altitude of roughly 9,000' which is still high but that 2,000' difference makes a big difference. We will spend several days seeing and experiencing the Inca way of life and history. We include a mostly downhill mountain bike ride between Moray, the Inca farming laboratory, and Salinas de Maras, the ancient and still farmed salt mines. The days in the Sacred Valley will help our group acclimatize and build an understanding and respect for the Peruvian and Incan cultures.
From the Sacred Valley we will embark on a very custom 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, walking on centuries-old stone paths that cling to mountain valleys and lead up and down mountain passes to remarkable ruins and spectacular vistas. We walk the last kilometers through the misty cloud forest to the Sun Gate and enter the mystical citadel the same way the Incas did 500 years ago. How difficult is the hike? It is not a trail to underestimate as the altitude over the 27 miles goes from about 8,500’ up to about 13,800’ and back down to 8,000’ while hiking on Inka stones and steps. It is crucial that serious training take place to not just survive this trek, but to really enjoy it. As part of G1 Adventure Tour's preparation plan, the team will be coached on how to prepare physically, what to pack, and how to get the most out of this epic experience.
OTHER INFO:
Our porters will carry 15 lbs of your personal gear which is more than the typical trip allowance and allows you to carry a daypack with just extra clothing layers, water, snacks, and camera. The Porters also carry our tents, dining tent, food, tables and chairs to sit at during meals, and extra sleeping pads. Each day as we arrive at our camp our tents will already be set up (double occupancy) and our duffle bags of personal gear ready for us to access for the evening. Each morning we will be greeted with hot tea or coffee at our tents and, after we are packed up, we enjoy a hot breakfast as our porters pack up our tents an duffle bags to get on the trail to be ready for us when we arrive that night.
What will we eat along the trail? This is one of the best parts of the experience as our trail chefs prepare fresh meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We eat in our own private tent on chairs at tables by candlelight and sometimes our own Head-lamps. You will not go hungry! Delicious meals give our team wonderful opportunities to relax and enjoy one another.
One of the challenges we westerners face on this trek, though, are the bathroom facilities. Yep, this is a third world country and squat toilets are the rule out on the trail. They are not clean, they are not enjoyable, they are actually downright disgusting, to be honest. For this year’s trek we are going to, for the first time, relieve our team from this part of the “adventure” by having our porters bring along a separate, private to just our group, latrine tent and travel potty for at our campsites. We’ll still have to use the bathrooms along the trail during the hike, but at least we will be able to avoid the worst ones on the trail at the campsites. This is a special, custom part of our trip you will not find with almost any other tour group.
Inca Permits are non-refundable, non-transferable and require absolute accuracy for reservations. This is one of the unique aspects of the Inca Trail. To protect the trail and to keep tour groups from being able to reserve and re-sell (translate “scalp”) Inca Trail permits, the Peruvian Government requires names and passport information and reservation fees to reserve a spot on the trail. Once that permit is purchased, it cannot be refunded or even transferred to another person. There are only 500 people allowed to hike the trail each day and those 500 include all guides, porters and tourists. If a person purchases a permit and can’t use it, there are just 499 people on the trail that day. These permits are all purchased at one time on the first day that the Peruvian Government decides to sell the 2023 permits. (2019 permits went on sale in October 2018.) We MUST have every person’s accurate Passport information and money in order to get permits for our group. Due to this policy, deposits are non-refundable after September 20 but can be transferred to another person up until September 30.
May is the most sought after and most competitive month to get Inca Permits! Why, then, do we do this trip in May? Simple. Because May is the best month for the Inca Trail. The rainy season in Peru generally ends in April. The crazy tourist season when the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley quadruples in size begins in June and runs through the summer months. This is because the Incas worshipped the Sun and the Summer months are filled with festivals, religious celebrations, and inflated prices. We choose to go in between the rainy season and the high season. Could we get rain? Absolutely! We have had some rain every trip. But we have also had wonderful weather on the trails for 80-90% of all three past trips.
Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance. We do not provide any type of insurance for the trip. Travel and Medical Evacuation Insurance required. We recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance.
Other Policies:
The trip schedule, fees, and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment. Some instances where this may occur, but are not limited to, weather, route conditions, currency fluctuations, changes in costs, government instability, and many other factors. G1At has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, for the proper and safe conduct of the program.
G1AT reserves the right to dismiss a participant from a trip or to send a participant to a lower altitude at any time if staff, in its sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating or continuing in the trip.
The participant understands and agrees that G1AT assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality service provided to the participant by others in connection with the trip, including but not limited to the services provided by airlines, hotels, and motor vehicle operators, and that G1AT is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the participant in connection with the G1AT trip.
TRIP DESCRIPTION:
See the schedule below to see how we acclimate for our adventure by spending a few days touring the former Inca imperial heartland, the Sacred Valley. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,152' which is a big challenge for many of our people to adapt to when coming from near sea level. The Sacred Valley sits at an altitude of roughly 9,000' which is still high but that 2,000' difference makes a big difference. We will spend several days seeing and experiencing the Inca way of life and history. We include a mostly downhill mountain bike ride between Moray, the Inca farming laboratory, and Salinas de Maras, the ancient and still farmed salt mines. The days in the Sacred Valley will help our group acclimatize and build an understanding and respect for the Peruvian and Incan cultures.
From the Sacred Valley we will embark on a very custom 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, walking on centuries-old stone paths that cling to mountain valleys and lead up and down mountain passes to remarkable ruins and spectacular vistas. We walk the last kilometers through the misty cloud forest to the Sun Gate and enter the mystical citadel the same way the Incas did 500 years ago. How difficult is the hike? It is not a trail to underestimate as the altitude over the 27 miles goes from about 8,500’ up to about 13,800’ and back down to 8,000’ while hiking on Inka stones and steps. It is crucial that serious training take place to not just survive this trek, but to really enjoy it. As part of G1 Adventure Tour's preparation plan, the team will be coached on how to prepare physically, what to pack, and how to get the most out of this epic experience.
OTHER INFO:
Our porters will carry 15 lbs of your personal gear which is more than the typical trip allowance and allows you to carry a daypack with just extra clothing layers, water, snacks, and camera. The Porters also carry our tents, dining tent, food, tables and chairs to sit at during meals, and extra sleeping pads. Each day as we arrive at our camp our tents will already be set up (double occupancy) and our duffle bags of personal gear ready for us to access for the evening. Each morning we will be greeted with hot tea or coffee at our tents and, after we are packed up, we enjoy a hot breakfast as our porters pack up our tents an duffle bags to get on the trail to be ready for us when we arrive that night.
What will we eat along the trail? This is one of the best parts of the experience as our trail chefs prepare fresh meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We eat in our own private tent on chairs at tables by candlelight and sometimes our own Head-lamps. You will not go hungry! Delicious meals give our team wonderful opportunities to relax and enjoy one another.
One of the challenges we westerners face on this trek, though, are the bathroom facilities. Yep, this is a third world country and squat toilets are the rule out on the trail. They are not clean, they are not enjoyable, they are actually downright disgusting, to be honest. For this year’s trek we are going to, for the first time, relieve our team from this part of the “adventure” by having our porters bring along a separate, private to just our group, latrine tent and travel potty for at our campsites. We’ll still have to use the bathrooms along the trail during the hike, but at least we will be able to avoid the worst ones on the trail at the campsites. This is a special, custom part of our trip you will not find with almost any other tour group.
Inca Permits are non-refundable, non-transferable and require absolute accuracy for reservations. This is one of the unique aspects of the Inca Trail. To protect the trail and to keep tour groups from being able to reserve and re-sell (translate “scalp”) Inca Trail permits, the Peruvian Government requires names and passport information and reservation fees to reserve a spot on the trail. Once that permit is purchased, it cannot be refunded or even transferred to another person. There are only 500 people allowed to hike the trail each day and those 500 include all guides, porters and tourists. If a person purchases a permit and can’t use it, there are just 499 people on the trail that day. These permits are all purchased at one time on the first day that the Peruvian Government decides to sell the 2023 permits. (2019 permits went on sale in October 2018.) We MUST have every person’s accurate Passport information and money in order to get permits for our group. Due to this policy, deposits are non-refundable after September 20 but can be transferred to another person up until September 30.
May is the most sought after and most competitive month to get Inca Permits! Why, then, do we do this trip in May? Simple. Because May is the best month for the Inca Trail. The rainy season in Peru generally ends in April. The crazy tourist season when the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley quadruples in size begins in June and runs through the summer months. This is because the Incas worshipped the Sun and the Summer months are filled with festivals, religious celebrations, and inflated prices. We choose to go in between the rainy season and the high season. Could we get rain? Absolutely! We have had some rain every trip. But we have also had wonderful weather on the trails for 80-90% of all three past trips.
Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance. We do not provide any type of insurance for the trip. Travel and Medical Evacuation Insurance required. We recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance.
Other Policies:
The trip schedule, fees, and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment. Some instances where this may occur, but are not limited to, weather, route conditions, currency fluctuations, changes in costs, government instability, and many other factors. G1At has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, for the proper and safe conduct of the program.
G1AT reserves the right to dismiss a participant from a trip or to send a participant to a lower altitude at any time if staff, in its sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating or continuing in the trip.
The participant understands and agrees that G1AT assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality service provided to the participant by others in connection with the trip, including but not limited to the services provided by airlines, hotels, and motor vehicle operators, and that G1AT is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the participant in connection with the G1AT trip.
OUR 2023 SACRED VALLEY, INCA TRAIL, AND CUSCO CUSTOM SCHEDULE
The 2013 BAS Group at the beginning of the Inca Trail, Killometer 82
OVERVIEW OF ITINERARY:
Day 1: May 14th: Arrive in Cusco/drive to sacred valley /stopping Cristo Blanco /Cochawasi rescued animal shelter /evening sacred valley (Pacarictambo hotel ***)
Day 2: May 15th: Sacred Valley Tour
Day 3: May 16th: Sacred valley zip line, located Mirador Racchi, back to Ollantaytambo, pack for Inca trail
Day 4: May 17th: Start of Inca Trail – Llactapata 2,750m/ 9020 feet
Day 5: May 18th: Inca Trial – Llulluchapampa 3,850m/ 12,589 feet
Day 6: May 19th: Inca Trail – Phuypatamarka 3,600m/ 11,772 feet
Day 7: May 20th: Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 8: May 21st: Machu Picchu tour – Back to Cusco. Train expedition 34-time departure 15:20 to Ollantaytambo then bus to Cusco (hotel Tupac Yupanqui)
Day 9: May 21nd: Free day in Cusco city tour (hotel Tupac Yupanqui)
Day 10: May 23rd: Driving to Yanaoca Altiva Canas children projects
Day 11: May 24th: Free morning in Cusco, afternoon Transfer to airport for flights home
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1, May 14, 2024: Arrive at Cusco International airport
Our Guide’s team will pick us up from the Cusco airport (altitude in Cusco is 11,152’0 and bring us to our hotel in Ollantaytambo, a village in The Sacred Valley (altitude 9,160’). This is a departure from the schedule of our past four trips when we stayed in Cusco. The additional 2,000’ of altitude made the acclimatization process very uncomfortable for many of our travelers. By staying in the Sacred Valley, we will have far less severe reactions to the altitude.
To get from Cusco to to Ollantaytambo it is a three hour journey. We will head north east out of Cusco towards the Sacred Valley and along the way we will visit the sculpture of the Cristo Blanco having a very amazing view of the city of Cusco. Another 40 minutes of driving gets us to the special animal rescue center called Cochahuasi where we will be introduced to many of Peru’s unique animals, including the Condor. Another 15 minute drive get us to the Tarayoc viewpoint, where we can see the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After enjoying the landscape of the valley we head to Ollantaytambo. We will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2, May 15, 2024: Full Day Private Sacred Valley Tour
The tour will include: Ollantaytambo remains, Chinchero, Pisaq remains, Pisaq market and return to Ollantaytambo . The Pisaq and Ollantaytambo remains are very special experiences in themselves, along with mixing with the culture, this day will live long in the memory. This day also gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen due to the high altitude. After a long day of tours, we will return to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. This day will begin at 7:30am and finish at 6pm.
Day 3, May 16, 2024: Full Day, Private Sacred Valley Tour - Zipline Adventure? Mountain Bike Adventure?
This day is still being customized. In the past we have ridden mountain bikes from the Moray Inca agriculture laboratories to the Salt Mines. This is a very fun ride with about 75% of it downhill on dirt paths. Some mountain biking experience is recommended. Want to take a class before going to Peru? Bayside Adventure Sports has some great beginner and intermediate classes that will get you well prepared!
Day 4, May 17, 2024: The Inca Trail Starts!
After breakfast we will be picked up from the hotel to drive into the town of Ollantaytambo, where we can pick up any last-minute items we may need. From Ollantaytambo, we continue to the start of the trail, Piscacucho (AKA km 82) at 8,858’. From here, we will have enough time to organize our backpacks and tour the entrance building, where we will learn more about the flora and fauna on the trail. Then, we will take a photo at the sign at the beginning of the trail then go through the controls where we need to present our passports to enter the trail.
In the first stretch of the hike, we will have beautiful views of the landscape and surrounding peaks, such as Apu Huakay Willka 19,193’, otherwise known as Veronica. We will begin to see the many plants and trees of the region, which our team will explain as we walk. After a few hours on the trail, we will stop in Miskay (9,184’), where we will have the first delicious lunch prepared by our chef. After lunch, we will continue a short distance on the trail until we reach an overlook, where we can see the Inca City of Llactapata at 9,020’. From this point, we descend to the ruins of Llactapata, next to which we set our camp. We will spend the late afternoon exploring and visiting this archaeological site. Today, the walk will take approximately 5 hours at a slow pace.
Day 5, May 18, 2024: Hike up to Llulluchapampa Camp at 12,589’
We wake up early to continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba at 10,170’. Along the way, we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, on the opposite side of the Urubamba River. Before lunch, we will stop in to explore the first Incan site of the day, just off the main trail. After an explanation of the Ruins and a chance to explore them, we will continue to Wayllabamba, where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, we begin the long ascent, up approximately 2,461’, to our camp site where we will stop for the night. Llulluchapampa Camp sits at 12,589’. It will spoil us with beautiful sunset views! Along the climb today, the landscape will change from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation).
We will also have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on Ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the Cloud Forest, which is inhabited by many kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows as well as the Andean Bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). The trek on this day is a tough one with a constant climb uphill. Our camp will have us sleeping at the highest altitude most any of us have ever slept at - 12,589’. It will be crucial on this day that every hiker stay ultra hydrated and keep some food/snacks in their stomach to help with potential altitude issues.
Day 6, May 19, 2024: Phuyupatamarca, at 11,772’
Today will be the longest day of the trek. After a very early breakfast, we will continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the high mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca, or the Dead Woman Pass, at 13,776’. This should take us approximately 2 hours to reach the top and we will be rewarded by the spectacular views! Immediately after the pass, we will descend the steep steps, into the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,500m/ 11,483 feet. From here, we then start to climb up to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay at 13,022’. Halfway up the pass, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 12,464’, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.
After visiting the site, we will continue to the top of the pass. From there, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest. We will then arrive at the beautiful complex of Sayacmarca at 11,887’, which we can tour. After the tour, we will arrive at Chaquicocha, where a beautiful lunch will await! It has been a long morning until we reach the lunch spot, so having an extra snacks with you to tide you over will be important today!
After lunch, we will continue on the trail towards the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca, at 12,136’, where we spend the night. This section of the trail takes us through lush landscapes, with great views off the trail towards Mount Salkantay and the Amazon Forest. We will go through the first of the Incan Tunnels before reaching our camp site at Abra Phuyupatamarca, which means town over the clouds. Tonight, we will sleep high above Machu Picchu, and will have a stunning sunset and views of the surrounding mountains. Today will have been a very long day, but worth it with the wonderful views and experiences we will have!
Day 7, May 20,2024: Steep Descent and Hike into Machu Picchu
After our delicious final breakfast on the trail, we will have a short walk down to the Phuyupatamarca Ruins, where we will have a tour. From there, we will continue down 2,952’ to reach Wiñayhuayna, on steep stairs all the way down. On the way to Wiñayhuayna, we will stop in to view the beautiful ruins of Intipata. From there, we will continue the descent for half an hour before visiting one of the most impressive Incan sites, Wiñayhuayna, which is built into the side of the mountain. After this spectacular tour of the ruins, we will hike back the same way, to have our last lunch on the Inca Trail. Here, we will tip and thank our porter team and the cook for the great experience we have had.
After lunch, we follow a narrow trail that leads us around Machu Picchu Mountain, towards the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which will give us the first views of the city of Machu Picchu. Before reaching the Sun Gate, we will have a very steep section of approximately 50 steps, which leads you up to the exciting and stunning views below! With the views of Machu Picchu city below, you will stand in awe of this unique mystical place. After enjoying the famous Sun Gate, we will descend for about an hour until we arrive at the Guardian’s House, where we will have the opportunity to contemplate Machu Picchu in all its splendor. We will take photographs and enjoy our first visit to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has some brand new restrictions as they continue to attempt to manage its popularity. They now limit entrances to the park based on four different "Circuit Routes". We will take #1 this afternoon, beginning about 1:30pm and spending about 90 minutes getting a first tour.
After we have spent some time enjoying the views, we will continue down to the checkpoint, where we will take bus from the Inca city of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu town. We will spend the night in a 3-star hotel. After a well-deserved shower, we will head out for a celebratory dinner. One popular option if there is time is to visit the Aguas Caliente Hot Springs.
Day 8, May 21, 2024: Tour Machu Picchu
We will wake early this morning and have breakfast in the hotel before we begin the journey back up to Machu Picchu. From town, we will board a bus, which will take us back up to Machu Picchu City. Here, we will have a second guided tour of the City, taking "Circuit Route #4" which includes Huayna Picchu, the iconic triangular mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. This challenging climb will take 45-60 minutes to climb before enjoying the amazing and iconic views of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it.
Once we are finished in Machu Picchu, we will have your bus ticket to get back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time to explore the city of Aguas Calientes before meeting at a designated time and location set out by our guide. From here, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will await, for the journey back to Cusco. After a long day, we will reach the hotel in Cusco, and you will be free to enjoy the evening in the City.
Day 9, May 22, 2024: City Tour
Pick up will be at 10am will head to north east to Sacsayhuaman (Head of the great Puma) The city of Cusco was in the form of a Puma and the exactly Head was Sacsayhuaman. It is 3 km from the city of Cusco. The Temple has impressive, monumental and magnificent stone architecture, also known as "la Casa del Sol" Annually on 24 June is here where is performed the ancestral ritual of Inti Raymi.
QUENQO
(Temple of the Pachamama or Mother Earth) was a ceremonial temple, there is an Amphitheatre where sacrifices were made on a black flame, that every winter solstice "June 21" in the shadow a planned for well-polished bricks, born a natural phenomenon "The Awakening of the Puma" for the Incas was the beginning of the great festival of Inti Raymi
PUCAPUCARA
(Fortaleza Inca) old tambo, surveillance existed throughout the Empire and along the Inca roads. Also, it was a controlled entry and exit of all those traveling to or from the holy city of Cusco
TAMBOMACHAY
(royal baths) at 7 km. from the city of Cusco is a ceremonial place of worship for the water, its wings are named sources of water that exist on the site. Also is believed to be resting place of the Inka.
Day 10, May 23, 2024: Visit the Children’s Project
We will head south for approximately 3 hours where we will visit the village of Altiva Canas, where the project is being carried out, returning in the afternoon, we will reach the hotel in Cusco, and you will be free to enjoy the evening in the city for your final night.
Day 11, May 24, 2024: Transfer Back to the Airport
Free morning in Cusco. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco depending on your flight time. We will drive you to the airport for your journey home.
Day 1: May 14th: Arrive in Cusco/drive to sacred valley /stopping Cristo Blanco /Cochawasi rescued animal shelter /evening sacred valley (Pacarictambo hotel ***)
Day 2: May 15th: Sacred Valley Tour
Day 3: May 16th: Sacred valley zip line, located Mirador Racchi, back to Ollantaytambo, pack for Inca trail
Day 4: May 17th: Start of Inca Trail – Llactapata 2,750m/ 9020 feet
Day 5: May 18th: Inca Trial – Llulluchapampa 3,850m/ 12,589 feet
Day 6: May 19th: Inca Trail – Phuypatamarka 3,600m/ 11,772 feet
Day 7: May 20th: Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 8: May 21st: Machu Picchu tour – Back to Cusco. Train expedition 34-time departure 15:20 to Ollantaytambo then bus to Cusco (hotel Tupac Yupanqui)
Day 9: May 21nd: Free day in Cusco city tour (hotel Tupac Yupanqui)
Day 10: May 23rd: Driving to Yanaoca Altiva Canas children projects
Day 11: May 24th: Free morning in Cusco, afternoon Transfer to airport for flights home
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1, May 14, 2024: Arrive at Cusco International airport
Our Guide’s team will pick us up from the Cusco airport (altitude in Cusco is 11,152’0 and bring us to our hotel in Ollantaytambo, a village in The Sacred Valley (altitude 9,160’). This is a departure from the schedule of our past four trips when we stayed in Cusco. The additional 2,000’ of altitude made the acclimatization process very uncomfortable for many of our travelers. By staying in the Sacred Valley, we will have far less severe reactions to the altitude.
To get from Cusco to to Ollantaytambo it is a three hour journey. We will head north east out of Cusco towards the Sacred Valley and along the way we will visit the sculpture of the Cristo Blanco having a very amazing view of the city of Cusco. Another 40 minutes of driving gets us to the special animal rescue center called Cochahuasi where we will be introduced to many of Peru’s unique animals, including the Condor. Another 15 minute drive get us to the Tarayoc viewpoint, where we can see the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After enjoying the landscape of the valley we head to Ollantaytambo. We will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2, May 15, 2024: Full Day Private Sacred Valley Tour
The tour will include: Ollantaytambo remains, Chinchero, Pisaq remains, Pisaq market and return to Ollantaytambo . The Pisaq and Ollantaytambo remains are very special experiences in themselves, along with mixing with the culture, this day will live long in the memory. This day also gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen due to the high altitude. After a long day of tours, we will return to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. This day will begin at 7:30am and finish at 6pm.
Day 3, May 16, 2024: Full Day, Private Sacred Valley Tour - Zipline Adventure? Mountain Bike Adventure?
This day is still being customized. In the past we have ridden mountain bikes from the Moray Inca agriculture laboratories to the Salt Mines. This is a very fun ride with about 75% of it downhill on dirt paths. Some mountain biking experience is recommended. Want to take a class before going to Peru? Bayside Adventure Sports has some great beginner and intermediate classes that will get you well prepared!
Day 4, May 17, 2024: The Inca Trail Starts!
After breakfast we will be picked up from the hotel to drive into the town of Ollantaytambo, where we can pick up any last-minute items we may need. From Ollantaytambo, we continue to the start of the trail, Piscacucho (AKA km 82) at 8,858’. From here, we will have enough time to organize our backpacks and tour the entrance building, where we will learn more about the flora and fauna on the trail. Then, we will take a photo at the sign at the beginning of the trail then go through the controls where we need to present our passports to enter the trail.
In the first stretch of the hike, we will have beautiful views of the landscape and surrounding peaks, such as Apu Huakay Willka 19,193’, otherwise known as Veronica. We will begin to see the many plants and trees of the region, which our team will explain as we walk. After a few hours on the trail, we will stop in Miskay (9,184’), where we will have the first delicious lunch prepared by our chef. After lunch, we will continue a short distance on the trail until we reach an overlook, where we can see the Inca City of Llactapata at 9,020’. From this point, we descend to the ruins of Llactapata, next to which we set our camp. We will spend the late afternoon exploring and visiting this archaeological site. Today, the walk will take approximately 5 hours at a slow pace.
Day 5, May 18, 2024: Hike up to Llulluchapampa Camp at 12,589’
We wake up early to continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba at 10,170’. Along the way, we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, on the opposite side of the Urubamba River. Before lunch, we will stop in to explore the first Incan site of the day, just off the main trail. After an explanation of the Ruins and a chance to explore them, we will continue to Wayllabamba, where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, we begin the long ascent, up approximately 2,461’, to our camp site where we will stop for the night. Llulluchapampa Camp sits at 12,589’. It will spoil us with beautiful sunset views! Along the climb today, the landscape will change from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation).
We will also have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on Ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the Cloud Forest, which is inhabited by many kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows as well as the Andean Bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). The trek on this day is a tough one with a constant climb uphill. Our camp will have us sleeping at the highest altitude most any of us have ever slept at - 12,589’. It will be crucial on this day that every hiker stay ultra hydrated and keep some food/snacks in their stomach to help with potential altitude issues.
Day 6, May 19, 2024: Phuyupatamarca, at 11,772’
Today will be the longest day of the trek. After a very early breakfast, we will continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the high mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca, or the Dead Woman Pass, at 13,776’. This should take us approximately 2 hours to reach the top and we will be rewarded by the spectacular views! Immediately after the pass, we will descend the steep steps, into the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,500m/ 11,483 feet. From here, we then start to climb up to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay at 13,022’. Halfway up the pass, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 12,464’, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.
After visiting the site, we will continue to the top of the pass. From there, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest. We will then arrive at the beautiful complex of Sayacmarca at 11,887’, which we can tour. After the tour, we will arrive at Chaquicocha, where a beautiful lunch will await! It has been a long morning until we reach the lunch spot, so having an extra snacks with you to tide you over will be important today!
After lunch, we will continue on the trail towards the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca, at 12,136’, where we spend the night. This section of the trail takes us through lush landscapes, with great views off the trail towards Mount Salkantay and the Amazon Forest. We will go through the first of the Incan Tunnels before reaching our camp site at Abra Phuyupatamarca, which means town over the clouds. Tonight, we will sleep high above Machu Picchu, and will have a stunning sunset and views of the surrounding mountains. Today will have been a very long day, but worth it with the wonderful views and experiences we will have!
Day 7, May 20,2024: Steep Descent and Hike into Machu Picchu
After our delicious final breakfast on the trail, we will have a short walk down to the Phuyupatamarca Ruins, where we will have a tour. From there, we will continue down 2,952’ to reach Wiñayhuayna, on steep stairs all the way down. On the way to Wiñayhuayna, we will stop in to view the beautiful ruins of Intipata. From there, we will continue the descent for half an hour before visiting one of the most impressive Incan sites, Wiñayhuayna, which is built into the side of the mountain. After this spectacular tour of the ruins, we will hike back the same way, to have our last lunch on the Inca Trail. Here, we will tip and thank our porter team and the cook for the great experience we have had.
After lunch, we follow a narrow trail that leads us around Machu Picchu Mountain, towards the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which will give us the first views of the city of Machu Picchu. Before reaching the Sun Gate, we will have a very steep section of approximately 50 steps, which leads you up to the exciting and stunning views below! With the views of Machu Picchu city below, you will stand in awe of this unique mystical place. After enjoying the famous Sun Gate, we will descend for about an hour until we arrive at the Guardian’s House, where we will have the opportunity to contemplate Machu Picchu in all its splendor. We will take photographs and enjoy our first visit to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has some brand new restrictions as they continue to attempt to manage its popularity. They now limit entrances to the park based on four different "Circuit Routes". We will take #1 this afternoon, beginning about 1:30pm and spending about 90 minutes getting a first tour.
After we have spent some time enjoying the views, we will continue down to the checkpoint, where we will take bus from the Inca city of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu town. We will spend the night in a 3-star hotel. After a well-deserved shower, we will head out for a celebratory dinner. One popular option if there is time is to visit the Aguas Caliente Hot Springs.
Day 8, May 21, 2024: Tour Machu Picchu
We will wake early this morning and have breakfast in the hotel before we begin the journey back up to Machu Picchu. From town, we will board a bus, which will take us back up to Machu Picchu City. Here, we will have a second guided tour of the City, taking "Circuit Route #4" which includes Huayna Picchu, the iconic triangular mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. This challenging climb will take 45-60 minutes to climb before enjoying the amazing and iconic views of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it.
Once we are finished in Machu Picchu, we will have your bus ticket to get back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time to explore the city of Aguas Calientes before meeting at a designated time and location set out by our guide. From here, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will await, for the journey back to Cusco. After a long day, we will reach the hotel in Cusco, and you will be free to enjoy the evening in the City.
Day 9, May 22, 2024: City Tour
Pick up will be at 10am will head to north east to Sacsayhuaman (Head of the great Puma) The city of Cusco was in the form of a Puma and the exactly Head was Sacsayhuaman. It is 3 km from the city of Cusco. The Temple has impressive, monumental and magnificent stone architecture, also known as "la Casa del Sol" Annually on 24 June is here where is performed the ancestral ritual of Inti Raymi.
QUENQO
(Temple of the Pachamama or Mother Earth) was a ceremonial temple, there is an Amphitheatre where sacrifices were made on a black flame, that every winter solstice "June 21" in the shadow a planned for well-polished bricks, born a natural phenomenon "The Awakening of the Puma" for the Incas was the beginning of the great festival of Inti Raymi
PUCAPUCARA
(Fortaleza Inca) old tambo, surveillance existed throughout the Empire and along the Inca roads. Also, it was a controlled entry and exit of all those traveling to or from the holy city of Cusco
TAMBOMACHAY
(royal baths) at 7 km. from the city of Cusco is a ceremonial place of worship for the water, its wings are named sources of water that exist on the site. Also is believed to be resting place of the Inka.
Day 10, May 23, 2024: Visit the Children’s Project
We will head south for approximately 3 hours where we will visit the village of Altiva Canas, where the project is being carried out, returning in the afternoon, we will reach the hotel in Cusco, and you will be free to enjoy the evening in the city for your final night.
Day 11, May 24, 2024: Transfer Back to the Airport
Free morning in Cusco. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco depending on your flight time. We will drive you to the airport for your journey home.