DAY 1: CUSCO – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU

We pick you up from your hotel early (depending on train time) and take you to the train station. We travel by train, on a very pictures in route for two and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 – the start of the trail for us. From here, we have a walk of about 4 hours up to the Incan site Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) (2680m/8792ft). You have joined the path in time to see the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail!!

Then, we will continue on to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic, panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). We will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. In Aguas Calientes we’ll have dinner and a much deserved rest so we’re recharged and ready for Machu Picchu the next day.

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU TOUR – RETURN TRAIN TO CUSCO.

We have breakfast and then take the first bus (5:30am) up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! (It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.)

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco (Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo). The train usually leaves between 2:30pm and 6pm depending on Peru Rail’s allocations and availability (to be confirmed).

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in town – a real treat after finishing the Inca Trail.

HUAYNA PICCHU:

There is a new regulation for climbing this mountain.

Tickets for this mountain need to be booked well in advance; there are two time sessions: 7 – 8am or 10 – 11am – this also needs to be specified when booking the trip.

Please note: if you get the permits for the 7am start you will probably have to miss the Machu Picchu guided tour.

Includes:

• Professional bilingual tour guide
• Assistant tour guide (for groups of  9 or more people)
• Transfer from hotel (for groups of less than 9 people)
• Transportation – round trip train journey (Expedition train service from Cusco to Km 104, Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco)
• Trransfer from Ollantaytambo train station (on day 2)
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Day 1 – 1 boxed lunch to be carried by each tourist and 1 dinner
• Day 2 – 1 breakfast in Aguas Calientes
• Bus tickets
• 1 night at 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes Hotel
• Oxygen bottle
• First Aid kit

Not Included:

• Single room and tent
• Walking sticks
• For the Inca trail – first breakfast, lunch and dinner on the last day are not included
• Wayna Picchu Entrance
• Tips
• Meals that are not stated
• Travel insurance – You are strongly recommended to take out travel insuran.

Packing List

• Please limit your total jungle gear to the following essentials:
• BINOCULARS, A MUST!.
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries. (An additional flashlight is a better choice).
• A rain jacket (and pants for the rainy season) or poncho.
• Two loose long pants and two long-sleeved shirts.
• Quick-drying, tight-knitted combinations of cotton and polyester are preferred.
• T-shirts, as many as days you will spend in the trip.
• A pair of lightweight hiking boots.
• A pair of tennis shoes or sneakers.
• A light sweater or sweatshirt.
• A wide brim hat for sun and rain (which can be secured to your head so that a strong wind does not blow it off).
• Underwear, socks.
• Sandals for use inside the lodge..
• Sunscreen
• A plastic water bottle (1 qt.).
• Toilet kit.
• Personal first-aid kit.
• Six large plastic bags or stuff sacks (to compartmentalize clothes, laundry, and wet items within your duffel).
• Pocket knife.
• Sunglasses.
• Alarm clock