Peru Inca Trail Venture into a land of lost cities, rising through the mountain mists like ghosts. The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and the highlight of any trip to Peru. Venture into a land of lost cities, rising through the mountain mists like ghosts. The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and the highlight of any trip to Peru. The highlight of the trail is when it passes through the spectacular Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Feel the spine tingling and magical atmosphere that pervades the very air around the ancient Incan city, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a designated UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage site. For nearly a century Machu Picchu has intrigued archaeologists and visitors alike. Perched atop a steep, emerald green peak 8,000 feet high in the Andes in southern Peru, this ancient ruined city was built in roughly AD1400 and was home to Incan emporors for over 100 years before it was abandoned for pastures new. Make the trek up the mountain to discover this wonderous site and enjoy the breathtaking views from the city in the sky. PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS See one of man s most astounding achievements Challenge yourself on an awe inspiring trek Make lifelong friends and forge unforgettable memories This is a Frontier Connect! PROJECT REQUIREMENTS Minimum age of 17 years FAST FACTS
Location Activities Transport Accommodation Inca Trail, Peru Trek the Inca Trail Visit the lost city of Machu Picchu Challenge yourself mentally and physically Learn about the empire of the Incas Bus to start of trek and train to Cuzco after trek Camping WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO? Hiking up the stone-paved Inca pathways you will be left speechless by the beautiful natural scenery surrounding you, winding your way up valleys to mountain passes as high as that of Warmiwañusca Dead Woman s Pass at 4200m! When you finally pass beyond the cloud forest and walk through the arch of Intipunku Gate of the Sun your long journey will be rewarded with a stunning view of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Once you have arrived at the lost city you will be taken on a guided tour of the 7 most important Incan archaeological sites giving you the chance to learn more about this fascinating civilisation. The trek will prove unforgettable not just because of the stunning landscapes but also because of the journey you will have made, making new friends and learning from the enigmatic and friendly local people, and who knows, you may even pick up some Quechua words, especially if you get to know the porters that will be accompanying you on your trek. They will be with you all the way to carry your gear, prepare meals and set up the camp after a long day walking. WHAT WILL I BE DOING? The Inca trail is a 45 Km / 28 Mile trek spread over 4 exciting days climbing from an altitude of 2680m to a peak of 4200m. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. Pre departure You will need to attend a trek briefing the night before your departure, giving you the chance to meet your fellow adventurers and friendly guides. Day 1: Cuzco to Ayapata
You will be collected from your hotel in Cuzco and driven via private bus to the start point of your epic trek, the village of Piskacucho at km 82. On today s trek you will be guided through the imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the hillside settlements of Llaqtapata and Wayllabamba in Cusichaca Canyon. Camp will be at Ayapata and whilst enjoying a hot buffet dinner you can reflect on today s activities with your fellow trekkers. Day 2: Ayapata to Chakicocha This is the longest day, but one rewarded with spectacular views down several valleys and up to the surrounding snow-covered peaks with the potential to see several species of birds including hummingbirds, falcons and black-chested buzzard eagles. You will hike for roughly 5-hours to reach the lunch stop in the Pacaymayo Valley, then another 3-4 hours to our night camp at Chakicocha. You can walk at your own pace, stopping to catch your breath whenever you like. Today s highlights are traversing Dead Woman s Pass, the highest point of your trek at 4200m and the impressive ruins at Runkurakay and Sayaqmarca. Day 3: Chakicocha to Winaywayna Today s hike is shorter than day 2 and exceptionally beautiful, passing the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, Winaywayna and Intipata and enjoying dramatic vistas of the Aobamba Valley. In getting to Phuyupatamarca (the Town of the Clouds), you will pass through the two short, natural tunnels in the mountains. After visiting this site, we will descend about 2,000 stone steps to Winaywayna. On this stretch of the trail you will be walking on the paved stone paths laid down by the Incan civilisation centuries earlier. Day 4: Winaywayna to Intipunku, Machu Picchu and return to Cuzco A very early start today to get to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) overlooking Machu Picchu for what will surely be one of the most unforgettable sunrises of your life. This will be a hike of 1-2 hours in the darkness so make sure you have a head torch! From Intipunku, a final easy 40-minute walk will bring us to the entrance to Machu Picchu itself where the trail ends and you are presented with awe inspiring views of the imposing Incan citadel. Your guides will be on hand to guide you through the site and there will be free time available to for you to go off and explore or simply take a rest and drink in the stunning views. After 4 days camping and trekking you may be in the mood to relax, lunch today is provided at a local hostel in the town of Aguas Calientes and here you will be able to store your bag, shower and/or explore the town before catching the train back to Cuzco. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will need to attend a pre-departure briefing at 7pm the night before your tour leaves in the head office in Cuzco. This will give you a chance to meet your fellow trekkers and your friendly guide. The local staff can also advise you on any last minute equipment you may need and answer any of your questions. The tour begins when you are picked up from your accommodation in Cuzco early on day 1. WHERE WILL I BE STAYING? The 3 nights accommodation included whilst on your trail will be at various camp sites along the trail with your camp being set up and taken down by your lovely porters. All essential camping equipment will be provided except sleeping bags and pillows; these can be rented for the length of your trip if you do not wish to bring your own. Camping will be based on 2 people sharing a spacious dome/igloo style tent. Thick, comfortable sleeping mattresses are provided and buckets of hot water will be brought to your tent every morning and evening for washing. WHAT WILL I BE EATING? 11 delicious buffet meals are provided whilst on your Inca trail, with fresh nutritious ingredients used to ensure you have enough energy to hike in the footsteps of the Incas. A combination of International and Peruvian Cuisine will be served and there is a daily happy hour when you can relax with a cup of macho-tea. Before and after your trip there will be plenty of opportunities for you to try some of the local delicacies. Peruvian cuisine typically consists of rice, beans and potatoes served with meat, local specialities include llama and guinea pig! COSTS Project fee 560 Student Rate 520 Registration fee 149 To qualify for the student rate, applicants must provide scanned copy of ISIC card to your Frontier coordinator and take the original along with you. Dates and Costs The Inca Trail runs daily throughout the year however, places book quickly so we recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Dates in bold currently have limited availability so please check before booking.
2018 January : 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,28,30 February to December: Daily departures Duration 4 days / 3 nights AIRPORT INFORMATION Nearest airport(s): Cuzco (CUZ) CONTACT INFORMATION Call us on 020 7613 2422 (UK) / 1 949 336 8178 (US) Mail us on info@frontier.ac.uk Check out our social media here: Project details were correct at the time this document was generated. Price, dates and other details are subject to change. Please see our website for current details for this project.