Trekking the Sacred Valley to
Machu Picchu
9 days /8 nights
From $2660 per person double occupancy
in 2009. Includes domestic airfare, accommodations, communal
camping equipment, guided excursions and meals as specified
All Lost World Adventures itineraries are
privately guided, and may be modified to suit personal
travel dates, interests and budgets.
Day 1: US –
Lima
Upon arrival to Jorge Chavez International Airport, claim your baggage and proceed to Customs & Immigration. You will then be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Lima, with daily buffet breakfast included. Conveniently located on the airport property, this four star hotel features 130 rooms, restaurant, bar, business center, wireless internet, gym/spa, and beauty salon.
Day 2: Lima
- Cusco
Proceed on your own to the National Terminal (located across the street from your hotel). Fly to Cusco (11,200ft). Reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the centrally
located Sonesta Posadas
del Inca Cusco Hotel.
After settling in, depart on a tour of Cusco and the nearby Inca ruins. Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, was the capital of the Inca Empire and is considered by many Quechua peoples to be the spiritual center of the world. Much of colonial Cusco was built on Inca foundations, and your guide will point out Inca stonework along the many streets. Visit the main square, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, as well as a first introduction to Inca stonework at the ruins of Puka-Pukara, Qenqo, Tambo Machay, and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman which overlooks Cusco and the surrounding valley. (B)
Day 3: Pisac &
Ollantaytambo
In the morning, depart with your guide for a full-day excursion to the village and ruins of Pisac, located 20 miles from Cusco. After exploring the ruins you will visit a colorful Indian market where you'll be able to deal with locals for a variety of handicrafts, including woolen sweaters and ponchos. Lunch will be served in Urubamba, followed by a tour of the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. (B,L)
Day 4: cusco - chilca - llactapata
Early departure by bus to Chilca, down the Sacred Valley. Your trek through semi arid terrain begins with magnificent views of the snowcapped Mount Veronica (18,000 ft.). Following the left bank of the Urubamba River, arrive at Llactapata (7,550 ft.), the first archaeological remains along the Inca trail, where you will spend your first night. (B,L,D)
Day 5: llactapata - Llullucchapampa
After a hearty breakfast, start the slow uphill climb to the Inca hamlet of Huayllabamba, a small agricultural community. From here the trail climbs steeply towards the first pass, cutting through dense vegetation until reaching an open meadow. Camp at Llulluchapampa with breathtaking views of Mount Hayanay. (B,L,D)
Day 6: llullucchapampa - phuyupatamarca
After a 2-hour hike, reach Warmiwañuska pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the journey at 13,276 ft. Descend the trail to Pacaymayo River and then hike along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runkuracay and Sayacmarca. Walk down a stone staircase to Phuyupatamarca ruins where you will spend the night. (B,L,D)
Day 7: phuyupatamarca - Machu
Picchu town
The trail descends down a steep slope along a remarkable set of stone Inca steps for approximately 3 hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site in the middle of a dense forest. An additional 2-hour hike from there leads to Intipunku (Sun Gate) which overlooks the awesome Machu Picchu. Today you will continue past the site down to Machu Picchu town so that you can return early in the morning on the next day. Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, or for an additional charge, upgrade to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located adjacent to the ruins. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Machu
Picchu - Cusco
Early morning return to Machu Picchu. Set in the saddle of a high mountain, 1,000 feet above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu remained "lost" in jungle undergrowth until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Consequently the city escaped ransacking from the Spaniards and is reasonably well preserved. This morning, visit Machu Picchu and go through temples, observatories, water systems, dwellings, watchtowers, gardens, and have some free time to explore on your own, and ponder about the meaning and beauty of this magical place. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train. Overnight at the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Cusco Hotel. (B)
Day 9: Cusco
– Lima - us
Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, proceed on your own to the international terminal for your departing flight. (B)
Contact
us to book this or to request a customized itinerary of travel in Peru.
