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Cuzco, Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu |
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9 days/8 nights Program
At 11,200 feet above sea level, Cuzco is the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre- Colombian Empire. Cuzco today is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, a fascinating and colorful paradox of the past and the present. Explore Cuzco visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral and the immense walled complex of Sacsayhuaman. Shop in the picturesque indigenous market located in Pisac and visit the ruins surrounded by the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru. Discover the Sacred Valley and see the town of Ollantaytambo where the inhabitants still live much the same way as the Quechuas did during the Inca times. The Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu still holds the enchantment and mystery for travelers seeking a once-in-a-life-time experience. Trekkers are rewarded with impressive views of the mighty Andes, exotic vegetation, Inca archaeological sites and the opportunity to enter Machu Picchu from the Gate of the Sun.
living wage and environmental commitment
Mondo Verde Expeditions is committed to providing a living wage to the indigenous porters that will be providing logistical support and guiding services for your trek. Our prices are both competitive while ensuring that local indigenous people benefit from your visit. We also are committed to the highest environmental standards to help preserve this sensitive and increasingly visited trail. For those travelers concerned about their impact on social and environmental issues we encourage you to research operators carefully before making a decision since many low-priced operators are not committed to these standards.
Commitment To Quality
Mondo Verde Expeditions uses only the highest quality camping equipment to ensure your comfort and safety on the trek. We provide all our participants with sleeping pads/bags. Your personal cook will serve only nutritious, safe, and well-prepared food.
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US$ Price per Person with a minimum of 2 clients based on double occupancy with private guide and transportation. Single supplement charges applied if clients requests single accommodations.
Price per Person (US$) |
2 -3 |
4 or more |
3 stars |
2526 |
2060 |
4 stars |
2886 |
2432 |
5 stars |
3174 |
2708 |
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High Altitude Note: It is very important that we follow certain precautions necessary in high altitude environments. Some people may suffer from headaches, nausea and shortness of breath while in Cuzco. Travelers should walk slowly, avoid alcohol, drink copious amounts of water and coca tea, and eat lightly.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Arrive in Cuzco. Meet Mondo Verde Expeditions representative and travel to the Sacred Valley. On the way to the hotel a 60 minute drive from the airport, you will stop along the way to photograph and enjoy the magnificent Andean landscape. Lunch at hotel. Free afternoon to acclimatize and relax. Overnight at hotel in the Sacred Valley.
L
Day 2
Chinchero – Pampa de Maras
Following our early breakfast at hotel, we depart by bus to the village of Chinchero (45 min.) located at 12,400 feet above sea level. We’ll explore this picturesque village and its Inca/Colonial monuments on foot. From Chinchero we drive to Huaypo Lagoon to begin today’s hike. Our route will take us on a variety of terrains including dirt roads, Inca trails, and mule paths. Fabulous mountain views, contact with local communities, and historical sites await us at every turn. This area of Cuzco is considered the most picturesque in the region.
From Huaypo Lagoon we cross the Altiplano of Chinchero and the Pampa de Maras until we reach the ruins of Moray (8.4 miles) located at 11,800 feet above sea level. Generally, the hike is a gradual descent through rolling hills. We’ll explore the ruins of Moray before our picnic lunch.
The circular terraces of Moray were an agricultural “research laboratory” for the Incas, who studied temperature variation from one terrace to another in order to develop different crop varieties. Later the hardier varieties of seeds were distributed throughout the Inca Empire.
On the other side of the Urubamba Valley we’ll see dramatic snowcaps peaks of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba cordilleras (mountain ranges). Here we board our bus and return to hotel for overnight. Overnight at hotel in Sacred Valley.
B,PL,D included
Note: Distance covered during the walk will depend on the client’s pace. Since it is an acclimatization walk your guide will establish a very easy pace at the beginning of the hike. The pace may increase if participants are feeling well. Your van will be near for transfer at any point during the walk for transfer back to the hotel.
Day 3
Sacred Valley - Wayllabamba
Between 06.00-06.30am our private transportation and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cuzco –Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley.
Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
B, L, D
Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Day 4
Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude.
We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
B, L, D
Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Day 5
Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.
Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain.
Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
B, L, D
Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
Day 6
Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu
On this fourth and last day of the trek we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨.
We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two to three hours. Later in the afternoon we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and register in our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes.
B,L,D
Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
Day 7
Machu Picchu – Cuzco (Free day in Machu Picchu)
You will have a full morning on your own to savour and appreciate Machu Picchu or exploring the village of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon (3:30 pm), you will board the train back to Cuzco. Meet representative at train station for transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco.
B
Day 8
Cuzco
Morning open to explore and do some shopping. At 11,200ft. above sea level, Cuzco is the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru’s pre- Colombian Empire. Cuzco today is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, a fascinating and colorful paradox of the past and the present. After lunch the group will have a guided city tour. Sites the group will visit in Cuzco with city tour:
Santo Domingo.- This church is built over what once was the most magnificent temple in the Americas, Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. Its courtyards were filled with life-sized gold and silver representations of all the flora and fauna of the Empire. Pizarro’s men looted the temple as part of Inca Atahualpa royal ransom who was held prisoner in Cajamarca by the Spaniards and later killed. An earthquake destroyed the Santo Domingo church in 1950 revealing the Inca walls that were hidden or plastered over. These walls of the Temple of the Sun are the finest example of Inca stonework in existence.
The Cathedral.- The church is located in the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, built in 1550. It contains over four hundred XII century paintings done by the members of the renowned Cuzco School. The Lord of the Earthquakes altar weights over 52 pounds and is made of solid gold and studded with precious stones. The main altar is covered with sheets of silver.
Plaza de Armas.- Called Huacaypata by the Quechuas, signifies cry or moan, and originated in the expressions of reverence and submission with which the religious or military ceremonies were carried out in this place. Colonial arcades, remains of ancient Inca temples and churches, today surround the plaza.
Sacsayhuaman.- Located two kilometers from the city of Cuzco, the immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three platforms with an average of 1,181ft in length. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of these is 29ft tall and 15ft wide and weighs more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsayhuaman stands 27.88ft high and weighs 361 tons. Inca Pachacuti employed 20,000 men for the construction of the complex and it took approximately 50 years to complete. We will also visit the temples of Qenco and Tambomachay during our tour. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco.
B,D
Day 9
Cuzco – Lima
After an early breakfast, we depart for the airport in time for our flight back to Lima. End of services.
B
Included: All hotel and lodge accommodations. All private scheduled land transportation. All private transfers. All scheduled excursions with private English-speaking guide services. Entrance fee to all historical sites in Cuzco and Sacred Valley. One day entrance fee to Machu Picchu. First day bus service from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Train tickets Cuzco/Machu Picchu/Cuzco. Meals as indicated in the itinerary. More details about what’s included during Inca Trail trek below.
Not Included: International or domestic flights. Airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellation or train delays. Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages and items of personal nature. Tips.
Inca Trail – Important Notice
According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings: bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.
Therefore
- Mondo Verde Expeditions will guarantee the spaces booked provided: 1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking. 2. The full passenger data has been provided and the required deposit has been paid for. - Since the Inca Trail will have a maximum allowance of 500 people per day in 2008 (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend making your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date.
Very Important
- The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
a. Complete names and surnames
b. Nationality
c. Passport number
d. Date of Birth
e. Gender
The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at Mondo Verde Expeditions via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. Mondo Verde Expeditions excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.
Group Size: Upon request all services are private with a minimum of 2 participants. We are able to accommodate a one person private departure. Call us for pricing.
What is included during the trek
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (valid for 4 days)
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, 2005-new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
- One foamy sleeping pad per person
- One sleeping bag per person if requested: our sleeping bags are -10ºC-comfort and mummy form. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets)
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- Porters to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (including mattress and sleeping bag)
- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters
- Meals (04B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day)
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
- One hot shower ticket per person at Wiñaywayna
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cuzco (Backpacker or Vistadome service, upon request)
- Transfer train station-hotel in Cuzco
What we recommend that you bring
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cuzco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight and batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent
– minimum recommended 20% DEET
– no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
Appropriate clothing along the Inca Trail
Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, and can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
Climate
Cuzco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
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