Peru Holidays: The New Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Cusco

A newly opened Inca trail follows the Urubamba River through its imposing granite gorge to just below Machu Picchu, then climbs up to the Historical Sanctuary passing through the temple site of Winay Wayna. The route culminates with the stunning spectacle of Machu Picchu viewed from the imposing sun gate Intipunku, perched high above the lost city. We have designed this new program for those who seek the essence of Inca Peru within limited time and budget while avoiding the overcrowded, overused INCA TRAIL that every tour group and backpacker travels. AND NO HIGH PASSES...! Beginning with an introduction to Inca Peru through narrated visits to Cusco, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, we hike four days along the reconstructed trail beside roaring rapids of the Urubamba visiting seldom seen ruins along the way. The trail passes through pristine CLOUD FOREST vegetation hosting a multitude of interesting and colorful birds. Over-nighting in the bustling backpacker, pizza and beer town, Aguas Calientes, we explore MACHU PICCHU before the tourist hoards arrive then return to a shopping and rest day in Cusco.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
As you may know and since the begining of this year the government issued a new law regarding the Inca Trail circuit stating the Total Capacity of the Circuit per day which now is a maximum of 500 people including passengers, guides, porters, coockers and other helpers and the National Institute of Culture is in charge of the reception and control of the bookings, so now we need to do our pre-bookings, subject to be re-confirmed and paid at least 30 days prior to the initiation on the program.
Due to these new government regulations, the re-confirmation of our pre.bookings for the Inca Trail have to presented by us to the National Institute of Culture at least 30 days prior to the initiation of the Inca Trail which means you have to book at least 38 days prior to the initiation. For details about the regulations please read the Regulations .

Day 1:
We head north from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. The village of Ollantaytambo retains the original street plan of the Inca town, making it the only surviving example of Inca urban planning. Our tour will include a visit to the agricultural areas around the village, the irrigation system, granaries and the fortress-temple built by the Inca Pachacutec using stonemasons from the Colla culture around Lake Titicaca. Later we will travel by bus to Pumamarca and then walk for three hours before visiting the ruins of the same name where we will camp. ( L D)

Day 2:Chillca / Llactapata
We continue by car to Chillca, where our trek begins. Here we will meet our porters, and begin to follow the trail along the left bank of the Urubamba river from where we will see beautiful views of snowcapped Veronica (5850m) as far as Llactapata, a restored Inca site. (B:L:D)

Day 3: Llactapata / Chachabamba
An early start. As we advance along the Urubamba the canyon begins to gradually narrow and the landscape becomes more rugged. The vegetation also begis to change, as we move into thick forest. We will pass the Inca agricultural terraces of Qenti, where some Inca buildings have been recently restored, and continue as far as Chachabamba, another Inca residential complex, where we will camp. (B:L:D)

Day 4:Winay Wayna / Machu Picchu
The trail begins to climb gradually halfway up the mountain where we find the ruins of Winay Wayna among the thick vegetation. We will pass by a high waterfall where we can refresh ourselves before continuing. The Winay Wayna complex was once inhabited by farmers whu used terraces to reclaim these steep slopes for agriculture. We will encounter about twenty constructions which have all been recently restored, as well as an irrigation system and a splendid Inca temple. That afternoon we will continue along the trail to Machu Picchu, enjoying along the way the spectacular scenery, with the river far below, and the snowy peaks emerging from the surrounding cloud forest. Following a path which is very narrow in places, we eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu from where we will get our first glimpse of the ruins below us. From here it is a forty minute walk to Machu Picchu. We will camp near the ruins of Machu Picchu. (B:L:D)

Day 5:Machu Picchu
We will get up early to visit this lost city which was rediscovered in 1911. This citadel, standing at the top of a steep, forrested hill overlooking the Urubamba river was hidden by dense vegatation for centuries until Hiram Bingham began to clear the site. Today the city has been completely restored and even if it has lost some of its mystery it still remains an unforgettable sight. Our tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas and will also leave you time to explore the ruins on your own. Return to Cusco by train, transfer to hotel. (B)

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Rated: moderate

5 days/4 nights Sacred Inca Trail
N° of participants	Fixed departure	2	3	4	5/6	7/9	10+	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 696	$ 868	$ 713	$ 618	$ 606	$ 585	$ 557	$ 62
EUR	€ 577	€ 721	€ 592	€ 513	€ 503	€ 485	€ 462	€ 51
GBP	£ 389	£ 486	£ 399	£ 346	£ 339	£ 327	£ 312	£ 35

(*) Price last updated on 07 June 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .

4 days/3 nights Sacred Inca Trail
N° of participants	Fixed departure	2	3	4	5/6	7/9	10+	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 607	$ 753	$ 621	$ 540	$ 527	$ 512	$ 486	$ 50
EUR	€ 504	€ 625	€ 515	€ 448	€ 437	€ 425	€ 403	€ 41
GBP	£ 340	£ 422	£ 347	£ 302	£ 295	£ 287	£ 272	£ 28

(*) Price last updated on 07 June 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .

Included in price:
Land transportation cost, all meals indicated on the itinerary (B= Continental breakfast, L= Lunch or Box Lunch, D= Dinner), vegetarian meals provided on request, tours and transfers listed in private vehicle with English-speaking local guide and entrance fees, first class camping equipment, porters during the trek.

Not included:
Meals not stated in itinerary, items of personal nature, tips, beverages, sleeping bag

The Sacred Inka Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Peru