Inca Trail Express (8 Day)

DAY 1: LIMA
Lima Accommodations
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to museums or to visit the city and surroundings sites.

DAY 2:  LIMA – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Morning transfer for departure flight to Cusco (10,856 ft.), center of the Inca Empire. Cusco arrival and transfer to your hotel. Balance of morning is free to relax. In the afternoon you will have a guided walking tour to visit the local sites of Cusco, the colonial Cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After we will depart for a tour of Cusco's temples and visit each distinct Inca sight: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks and the sacred water temple of Tambo Machay. Overnight Cusco hotel. (B)

DAY 3:  CUSCO – PISKAKUCHO – PATALLACTA
Camp
Up early for the morning bus ride to Piskakucho (Km 82), where we disembark to begin our trek. After meeting our porters we begin the trek, crossing the Urubamba River by bridge. Continuing on our way along the winding path, between the sloping banks of the Urubamba River, we can observe the Vilcanota mountain ranges and see Mount Veronica (18,745 ft.). In the afternoon, we visit the Patallacta (8,800 ft.) archeological complex and the Q’ente platforms. Overnight Patallacta camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: PATALLACTA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp
Our route takes us through the narrow Cusichaca valley, whose slopes show the clear imprint of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later we pass the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft.). Along the trail, up this narrow hanging valley, we begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree, a rare forest to be found in the Andes. From here the trail ascends steeply to Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft.), a large pampa below the first pass. Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Overnight Llulluchapampa camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
Camp
Slow and steady is the rule of the day as the trail ascends steeply towards Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft.), the highest point on the trek. From the pass, the trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly up past the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here we cross a lower pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft.). We continue our way along a marvelous section of Inca engineering to finally reach the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft). Overnight Phuyupatamarca camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu Accommodations
After continuing along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft.), located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca, with well restored Inca ruins. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail, we arrive at Machu Picchu (7,800 ft.) through the Intipunku, the door of the sun. Hike down to a great viewpoint for photos, and continue down (via bus) to nearby Aguas Calientes. Overnight Aguas Calientes hotel. (B,L)

DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Early rise for those who want to experience the serene beauty of Machu Picchu in the morning (great opportunity for crowd less photos). Arrive early for the opportunity to climb the famous peak of Huayna Picchu (8,900 ft/2,720 m), which is beautifully situated overlooking the Machu Picchu ruins*. Afterwards we have a guided tour of the ruins (3 hrs approx). Rest of day you are free to explore the ruins at your leisure, hike to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge. The mid-afternoon Vistadome train returns us to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle is waiting for the 1.5 hr transfer to Cusco. Overnight Cusco hotel. (B)

*Climbing Huayna Picchu (permit required) – Only the first 400 people who purchase permits are allowed to climb the peak, per day (subject to change by park administration at any time). Two opportunities for 200 people (400 total) are offered per day (7am or 10 am).

DAY 8: CUSCO – LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight (End of Services). Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can also be arranged. (B)

Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

Physical Requirements: Involves moderate to strenuous trekking/hiking at high elevations (above 10,000 ft.) and in varying temperature conditions. Good walking/aerobic fitness is required.

Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler's responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.