Cusco

Peru

There is only one place in the world that has everything: magic, history, nature, and culture. This place is composed of the four elements that forge the spirit of the earth and the sun. A land where the gods are hidden in mountains and stones, where the sons and daughters of the sun are dressed in gold, and mortals with scissors for hands dance all day. This ancient and mysterious culture was chosen by the gods.

Day 1

The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco by yourself, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife or sampling Peruvian restaurants.

Cusco Region

Day 2

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at leisure. The foremost city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.

Day 3

We will meet and pick you up from the Regocijo Plaza (less than 5 minutes from any hotel in Cusco!) at 4-4:30am (time to be confirmed at the briefing time) and travel by bus to Piskacucho (which is called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo (6:30-7am) to load up on energy. Upon arrival at kilometer 82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves (use of the restrooms, applying sunscreen, insect repellent, and more) and it will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) the student card at the trail’s first control point. To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. 

Inca Trail

The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up along the Incan flat terrain) and will have great views of the site of an Incan Fortress ('Huillca Raccay'), the vast and incredible Incan site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta'), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known in books as Veronica. 

Huillca Raccay

Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC (depending on the month).

Wayllabamba Camp

Day 4

We face a challenging, full day of uphill hiking today (4,100' of elevation gain). The trail becomes quite steep as we follow the narrow Llullucha gorge leading up toward the highest pass of our journey. The switchbacks are well-marked, passing through a dense forest with abundant birdlife and flowering plants before topping out in the wide, open meadows of Llulluchapampa. 

Llulluchapampa

Expansive views abound of the surrounding Andean peaks behind us and the highest pass of our route before us, Warmiwañusqa, at 13,780'. The final approach to the pass, a long steep ramp ending with a few switchbacks, typically takes about 2-2.5 hours from the meadows of Llulluchapampa. Reaching the top, we enjoy views of the rugged, glacier-clad Wiyañey peaks across the valley and the forested Pacaymayo gorge on the other side. We watch as our porters, or Huayruros, some dressed in their traditional red ponchos and chullos (earflap hats) carry their loads up the same route and then continue past us to arrive to the campsite ahead of the group. From the top our descent is steep, following a newly completed stone-paved trail with sections of staircases. 

Dead Woman

Arriving to the upper meadows of Chaquicocha we settle into our campsite for an afternoon of photography, relaxing or exploring the area. 

Chaquicocha

Day 5

A short, steep uphill section brings us to the Runkurakay watchtower this morning. We continue climbing Inca stairs past a small lake to reach our route’s second high pass at 12,631'. A clear day offers excellent views to the horizon of the glacier- clad peaks of the Pumasillo Mountains as well as the deep gorges and ridges of the eastern Andes. 

Runkuracay

Ahead of us is the Royal Road leading down past the strategic Incan site of Sayacmarca (11,811') and the smaller, neighboring ruins of Conchamarca. The descent is steep but follows a well-defined trail. After exploring the ruins, we contour along the ridge, marveling at the dense vegetation of the cloud forest as we walk on a 4-6-foot-wide stone-paved trail. 

Sayacmarca

After ducking through an ancient tunnel, we reach the final crest of the ridge and arrive to Phuyupatamarca, or “the town above the clouds” as the site's name translates from Quechua. This final campsite is one of the most spectacular along the Camino Inca with a 360-degree view of both the Urubamba and the Aobamba River valleys, and Mount Salcantay, (20,575') whose impressive glacier-covered summit is the highest in the Vilcabamba range. Sunrise here can be spectacular; we begin to understand why the mountain was worshiped as a god by the Incas. Condors are sometimes seen soaring above the valley on their way to the highlands, as the world's largest flying bird, their wingspan can reach 10 feet!

Puyupatamarca

Day 6

An early morning start of 4am will get us into Inti Punku or Sun Gate before daybreak and as the sun begins to rise, the dramatic views of Machu Picchu are revealed. We will spend some time here taking photos and upon completing the final steps of the Inca Trail we will visit Machu Picchu itself with a guided tour (approximately 2 hours). After the tour you are free to explore the mysterious city by yourselves.

Machu Picchu

Day 7

We will pick you up at 7:10am for the private transfer Cusco to Puno. The transfer is more like a tour - it stops at four interesting sites along the way:
• Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the altiplano. There are interesting sculptures and tombs. 


Pukara Archaeological Site

This is the halfway point between Cusco and Puno and the highest point (4335 meters above sea level). The landscapes here are stunning and it is common to see typical Andean animals like the llama, alpaca and vicuña. It is also the geographical border between the two cultures - Quechua and Aymara

La Raya Pass

This was an Inca church of monumental dimensions; 100 meters long, 26 meters wide and 14 meters high. The temple is divided into two naves, and each nave has eleven giant columns – huge!

Parque Arqueologico De Raqchi

This is the Sistine chapel of South America: this church is one of the most beautiful examples of Andean popular religious art.

Andahuaylillas

Day 8

After breakfast between 7.00am and 8am, we will transfer you from the hotel to the port of Puno where you will board the motor boat to take you first to the floating Uros Islands, which are located 25 minutes from the port of Puno, more of 65 small islands floating living today, but you will visit two, while visiting the guide will explain a little about the history and lifestyle of the people living in these floating islands for many years, you will also have the opportunity to talk with the people of these islands and visit their homes and learn a little of their lifestyle, you will enjoy one hour of visit floating around these islands.

Uros Floating Islands

Afterwards we will sail towards "Taquile Island", which takes approximately two hours. The island is a traditional Quechua speaking community, full of ancient agricultural terraces and some ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times. The Taquile population was relatively isolated from the mainland until 1950s, and the notion of the community and family is still very strong among them. The weaving tradition of this Island goes back to early civilizations, thus keeps elements from pre-Inca Andean cultures alive in the present. The most characteristic garments are the "Chullo", a knitted hat with an earflap; and "The Calendar Waistband", depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities. When you reach the island, you walk up along a narrow path, enjoying impressive views of Lake Titicaca and seeing gorgeous little houses inhabited by the direct descendants of the Inca Culture. You will then have free time to explore the Island on your own, and afterwards return to Puno.

9-Day Inca Trail and Titicaca Lake in Group Service

9-Day Inca Trail and Titicaca Lake in Group Service

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