DESCRIPTION
Explore off the beaten path with a trip to Maras-Moray and the Salt Mines before hiking the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu on this 7 Day Peruvian adventure. Marvel at the region’s archaeological and cultural treasures while exploring the beautiful & brilliant Maras-Moray and the fascinating sight of the ancient salt pans. Rich history combined with with stunning landscapes, cloud forests, lush jungles, salt mines and ancient ruins. Our skilled guides, chefs and porters will exceed your expectations on this Inca adventure.
The trip begins and ends in vibrant Cusco, Peru where you can enjoy the intriguing bled of Spanish and Inca culture. The first stop on the tour is Maras, where we explore the bizarre beauty of the salt mines and ancient ruins of Moray. Machu Picchu is sure to captivate you; the 15th-century citadel sits high, stacked on a hillside in terraces amongst rising Andean peaks with the highest point of the trail being “Dead Woman’s Pass,” situated at 13,769 feet above sea level. This tour is physically demanding, yet rewarding. Accommodations along the way will be at campsites, unless otherwise noted.
Our hand-picked guides are certified multilingual and offer expertise of Machu Picchu’s highlights and will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hike. In addition, Peru is home to some of the happiest people, the most dramatic landscape on the planet and a variety of cultural traditions that are rich in ancient history. Ready. Set. Escape! The world famous 7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike awaits you.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive Cusco
Arrive Cusco with a transfer to your hotel; a welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick briefing of the tour. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife or sampling Peruvian restaurants.
DAY 2
Cusco - Maras - Cusco
An early departure by bus to Maras will lead us to the bizarre and beautiful salt mines. The salt park is located on an open hillside above the Urubamba Valley a natural salt water stream that runs underground. A considerable volume of solid salt is obtained, which is then granulated, packed in sacks and sent to the region's markets. The day's tour continues a short distance to Moray which is a unique archaeological site where massive natural depressions or hollows in the ground surface were used for constructing irrigated farming terraces around them. The main depression is roughly 100 feet deep and the temperature difference between the top and bottom can be as much as 27 degrees (F). In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Cusco. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 3
Cusco – Trailhead at Km 82 – Camp at Ayapata
Travel by bus from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo for breakfast and then onto Piskacucho or kilometer 82, where the Inca Trail starts. The hike begins by crossing the Vilcanota River and following its route to the right. The Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle and the Andes. On the way we’ll see the Inca sites of, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. The 7 mile hike to our first campsite is relatively easy and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. In the evening, we will unwind at the Ayapata campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4
Ayapata Camp – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkuraqua Pass
Today will be the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail, known as Dead Woman's Pass or Warmiwanusqa, the site sits at 13,780 feet above sea level. We continue for another 2 hours to reach the Runkuraqay Pass, which is 12,467 feet above sea level. On the way we will encounter hummingbirds and other birdlife and discover a variety of native plants and trees in the cloud forest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5
Runkuraqua Pass – Camp at Wiñay Wayna
The trail begins with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means “Town in the Clouds.” This site is located at the third highest point on the trail at 11,811 feet and the views of the mountainscape, canyons and surrounding area are spectacular. A further walk brings us to 3,000 steps, through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’ until we arrive at our campsite Wiñay Wayna. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6
Machu Picchu
An early morning start of 4am will get us into Inti Punku or Sun Gate before daybreak and as the sun begins to rise, the dramatic views of Machu Picchu are revealed. We will spend some time here taking photos and upon completing the final steps of the Inca Trail we will visit Machu Picchu itself with a guided tour (approximately 2 hours). After the tour you are free to explore the mysterious city by yourselves.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and given your train tickets that will take you to Ollantaytambo and a final bus transfer will take you to Cusco. It is important to be at the train station 30 minutes before departure train times will be given to you by your guide. (Breakfast)
DAY 7
Depart
Breakfast at the hotel, and then we will take you to the airport according your flight times. (Breakfast)
END OF SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
- Accommodations
- Entrance fee to Maras-Moray and Salt mines
- Entrance fee to the Inca trail
- Entrance fee to Machu picchu
- Water (boiled)
- Meals 3 each breakfasts, lunch, dinner and snack
- 4 person tent, double occupancy
- Foam sleeping pad
- Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
- Expert guides, assistant guides, cook, porters, horses and horsemen
EXCLUDED
- Sleeping bags
- Inflatable mattress
- Trekking/hiking poles
- Inca trek last Lunch & Dinner not included
- Meals not described in the itinerary
- Waynapicchu Mountain hike
- Tips