Classic Inca Trail 10 Days
Classic Inca Trail The legendary Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the world's classic adventures a four-day epic pilgrimage that echoes ceremonial journeys of the ancient Incas. History unfolds as you climb stone staircases, pass long-abandoned villages and impressive temples, and traverse green valleys and misty forests. Your reward? Arriving at South America's most awe-inspiring archaeological site the enigmatic stone citadel of Machu Picchu. Our Inca Trail experience is unlike any other, with two nights at Machu Picchu and ample pre-trek time to acclimatize and explore evocative Inca monuments and out-of-the-way villages near Cusco. Details Testimonials Arrive: Cusco, Peru Depart: Cusco, Peru Duration: 10 Days Group Size: 2-14 Guests Minimum Age: 12 Years Old Activity Level: I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company! Margaret I. I have traveled extensively around the world. The experience with MTS was by far the best I have ever had. Thank you for such excellence. Marianne W..
REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek has been bringing travelers to Peru for over 40 years, and our expertise and local knowledge is second to none. Due to permit restrictions, only a limited number of travelers are allowed to make this trek each year. MT Sobek can help secure permits. This trip includes acclimatization time in Cusco, in-depth cultural exploration, an expert-led Inca Trail experience, and two days at Machu Piccu. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Moderate to strenuous highaltitude hiking from 4 to 8 hours a day, following the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Also includes cultural exploration. Three nights of tent camping in the Sacred Valley, plus boutique hotel stays near Machu Picchu and in Cusco. April through October expect to see mostly sunny days followed by cooler nights and the possibility of morning frost. One of Peru s most experienced adventure travel guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes and the classic trekking routes that trace the footsteps of the Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the region, people, and traditions immensely enrich the travel experience. He is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua the historic language of the Incas, and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker. Manolo Lazo
Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CUSCO Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Cusco, an MT Sobek representative meets you outside the airport's baggage claim area and transfers you to your hotel. After dropping your bags, enjoy a half-day walking tour of this ancient capital of the Inca Empire, rich with temples, palaces, and artisans at work. Meals: D DAY 2 ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR OF CUSCO & PISAC Wake for a morning visit to several Inca ruins near Cusco, which may include the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, animal temple of Kenko, and the ceremonial bath of Tambomachay. Next visit Pisac, with its vibrant market and archeological treasures. The town's ruins extend from a hilltop fortress to a temple complex, home to some of the world's finest Inca stonework. Descend into town through a network of stairs, walkways, tunnels, and temples to the valley floor (9,500') and enjoy a hearty lunch. Continue to your hotel in the. Urubamba Valley. DAY 3 SCENIC DRIVE TO CHINCHERO, MARAS, AND MORAY Enjoy a scenic drive from the valley to a highland plateau and the market town of Chinchero (12,398'), famous for preserving traditional Andean weaving techniques and for the town square's massive Incan wall. En route, pass through fields and adobe houses with red-tiled roofs, and enjoy views of distant snowcapped mountains. From Chinchero, continue to the town of Maras (11,086'), with its vast saltpans from which the world's finest salts are extracted. After lunch, head to the striking Inca earthworks and agricultural terraces at Moray. Return to your Urubamba Valley hotel this afternoon. DAY 4 VISIT OLLANTAYTAMBO & START INCA TRAIL HIKE Rise to visit the well-preserved Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, including Incan canchas, ingenious stonework, cobbled streets, and an extensive communal water system that survives to this day. Continue to Km 82 and, after passing the control point, cross a footbridge and begin your four-day Inca Trail trek! Follow the Urubamba River inland and uphill at the Cusichaca Valley along the Incas' marvelous path, including stone staircases through
cloud forests and open grasslands. Enjoy great Urubamba Valley views as you trek to Llaqtapata (8,692'), where you tour the archaeological site before camping for the night. Activity: 2-3 hours/3 miles with 727' elevation gain and loss DAY 5 TREK FROM LLAQTAPATA TO LLULLUCHAPAMPA Following the course of the Cusichaca River, the ancient trail takes you to the Inca town of Wayllabamba, whose Quechua name means "grassy plain." Here you have lunch and then continue to cross the Cusichaca Valley, ascending until you reach the campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,631'). Activity: 5-6 hours/7 miles with 4,000' gain and loss DAY 6 TACKLE DEAD WOMAN S PASS Wake early for the hike's longest leg, a steep hike through three climatic zones that tackles the trail's two highest points. First is the fabled Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,776'), also known as Dead Woman's Pass the highest point on the Inca Trail! Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding ridges and peaks, then continue through Pacaymayo Valley to various archaeological sites as well as the second pass, Runkuracay (12,795'). After lunch, descend to Phuyupatamarca, meaning "town at the edge of the clouds," and camp. Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 3,897 gain and loss DAY 7 BEHOLD MYSTICAL MACHU PICCHU After breakfast, descend zigzagging stone steps to the jungle-bound ruins of Winaywayna ("Forever Young"). After lunch and visiting the complex, continue to Inti Punku ("Sun Gate," aprx 9,400'), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Nestled between striking peaks high above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu exists as a well-reconstructed city of staircases, terraced hillsides, altars, temples, fountains, and incredible vistas. Take
in spectacular views from here, with the gentle late-afternoon light both illuminating ruins and casting them in mystical shadow, then head to your luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes. Activity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 7,872 gain and loss DAY 8 EXPERIENCE MACHU PICCHU FROM DAWN TO DUSK Catch an early bus in time to experience the morning light over Machu Picchu and explore the ruins before the train arrives with day visitors. Enjoy an in-depth walking tour of the site's various main structures and learn about their importance in Incas' lives. After lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, spend the afternoon exploring more on your own. If you're up for it, hike the Inca Bridge, an ancient drawbridge leading to the jungle. Alternatively you can return to your hotel and stroll its lovely gardens. Dinner is at the hotel. DAY 9 BID FAREWELL TO MACHU PICCHU & RETURN TO CUSCO Return to Machu Picchu this morning for another few hours of exploration on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at the Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel and catch the return train to Cusco. Once in Cusco, transfer to the Palacio del Inka hotel, and then enjoy a free evening of city exploration and dinner on your own. Meals: B, L DAY 10 DEPART FROM CUSCO Transfer to Cusco airport for flight to Lima and connect with international flight home. Meals: B
2019 $ 4,995 per person Additional Cost $ 995 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides Accommodations as noted in the itinerary PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Airport transfers if arriving or departing outside of the group transfer Optional travel protection Potable water and snacks throughout 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) All necessary camping gear All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Arrival and departure day group airport transfers International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges Dinner on Day 1 and Day 9