PROGRAMS ADVENTURE
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Among the many roads and trails constructed in pre-Columbian South America, the Inca road system, or Qhapaq Ñan was the most extensive and highly advanced for its time. The network was based on two north-south roads. The trails connected the regions of the Inca Empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south. The Inca road system linked together about 40,000 km of roadway and provided access to over three million km² of territory.
The Inca trail is the remains of one of the paths to Machu Picchu. This path wasn't for the transportation of products, people or animals. It was used for religious purposes as a pilgrimage done by the Inca king, the royalty and the priests. Along the path, they built many ceremonial sites to worship the snow-capped mountains as Veronica Peak. They considered the mountains as gods and protectors of the Inca people and their towns and cities as Machu Picchu. The scenery is ever changing. The first two days, you will see snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests and rivers. The third day is more tropical with lagoons and lush vegetation making this one of the world’s most beautiful treks.
The Inca Trail (1)
5 Days / 4 Nights
DAY 1 / CUZCO – LLAQTAPATA
Transfer from Cuzco to Chillca for the beginning of your trek at the Km 77. Five hour walk to the Llaqtapata ruins, (3,200 meters above sea level, 6.5 miles) with rest stops along the way. Exploration of the ruins and overnight. (L, D)
DAY 2 / LLAQTAPATA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Following the Kusicancha River, the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origin and the last main settlement on the Inca trail route before Machu Picchu. After lunch, commence the ascent up the Warmiwañusca pass to the campsite at Llulluchapampa at 3,200 meters above sea level (11,800 ft.) 12.20 km. in 5 hours (6.5 miles). (B, L, D)
DAY 3 / LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PUYUPATAMARCA
The longest day of trek: 15.2 km. in 8-9 hours (9.5 miles). Continue up the Warmiwañusca pass to the valley of the Pacaymayo River with its tropical vegetation. After crossing the Runkurakay pass (3,987 m. – 13,000 ft.), the jungle becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. The trail continues through high jungle with vines, exotic flowers, an Inca tunnel and across a bridge above the lovely Puyupatamarca ruins. The views of the Urubamba and the snow-capped peaks of the Veronica and Salkantay, make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 / PUYUPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU
Descend to Wiñaywayna ruins (2,599 m.- 8,500 ft.), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Reach Intipunku, the gate of the Sun in time for lunch and enjoy the fantastic view of the lost city itself, Machu Picchu set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. Walk down to the valley floor to camp in Puente Ruinas. 8.96 km. in 5-hour walk (5.6 miles). Option to visit Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 / MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO
Visit the fantastic stone edification of Machu Picchu, probably the most outstanding feat of engineering in all ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Afternoon return by train to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.
*Optional overnight in Aguas Calientes available
* Daily departures.
* Fixed departure programs also available with tour restrictions
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