The Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Machu Picchu

Dates: All Year

Description: The Sacred Inca Trail, justly famous for being one of the most amazing walks in the world with its soaring views and the Inca ruins dotting the trail, can now be done on either a regular or private basis. Either way, you end up arriving to a stunning view of Machu Picchu. This adventure program include Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley and the City tour

Highlights: Day 1 - Cusco: Upon your Arrival in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, we greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel following brief orientation and a cup of traditional coca tea to assist in the acclimation to the 11300 ft. in the Inca Capital of Cusco. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, This tour include: the Colonial and Inca sites of The cathedral, Qoricancha, temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites. Later you will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to the hotel (B).

Day 2 - Sacred Valley: After breakfast and Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by bus over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the Sun. Visit the Ancient Pisaq market, where many of the local Indians sell their hand made textiles. Lunch at the local hacienda restaurant and continue to Ollantaytambo the major Inca temple / fortress. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaros defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Additional shopping before your return to Cusco (B/L)

Day 3 - Free Day: Leisurely day with plenty of opportunity for shopping before your Inca Trail (B/D)

Inca Trail 4/5/6/7

Day 4- Wayllabamba: Early in the morning our guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco for the 2 hour ride by bus to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho at km 82. Here you will meet the team that will join you during the trek, such as the porters, camp assistants and cooks. You will begin the walk, the first day is quite easy and during the first kilometers, you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain, walking alongside the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta, where you will have lunch and gain energy to reach Wayllabamba, the name in Quechua means 'grassy plain. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Pacaymayu: Today we climb up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1? hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuanusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - Winaywayna: Today you will continue to climbing a series of Inca steps, it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (12,172ft). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Winay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive. A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu. (B/L/D).

Day 7 - Machu Picchu: After an early breakfast, in the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every steps and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Our guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder (7800ft.) Afterward transfer by bus to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and after that you will board the train for your returning to Cusco. After your arrival to the Cusco train station our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)

(Option overnight at Aguas Calientes)

Day 8 - Cusco: This day our staff will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

Cost in US$: USD 893 per person

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 16

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Sun God Expeditions's Mission Statement: Sun God Peru has carved an enviable record of reputation well known among the Travel Agents and their clients, for quality packaged and custom-designed tour to exotic and ancient destinations around Peru. The majority of our Escorted packages presented here feature charitable and socially responsible practices to contribute to the local people and economy. Call our team of destination specialists and explore the Land of the Incas. Our experienced representatives can make a world of difference by sharing first-hand experience and up-todate accurate information on the tour program of your choice. We have been doing this for over 15 years.

Year Founded: 1995