Overview
Inca trail is a unique trip that visits several Inka archaelogical sites of historical importance and features abundant observation of wildlife and flora within the multiplicity of Andean ecosystems, as well as a jungle experience. The setting is the Region of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, where enormous glaciated massifs – individually separated from one another by intervals of densely vegetated terrain- suddenly thrust upward from the jungle and cloud forest to loom at altitudes of 20,000 feet. A truly remarkable environment. Nevertheless, this is not an extremely demanding trip. Enjoy a milder type of adventure, rewarding in mind. body and spirit.4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS
Difficulty of the trek: easy to moderate, good regular physical conditions.
Day 1: Distance: 9km-Altitude: 3060 to 1950 mts,-hours 3, 4-camping 3050mts.
Day 2: Distance: 15km-Altitude: 1950 to 3900 mts- hours 7 camping 3000mts.
Day 3: Distance: 14km- Altitude: 3000 to 4900mts- hours 8-camping 3000mts.
Day 4: Distance: 13km-Altitude: 3000 to 1500mts-hours 8 camping 1500mts.
Day 5: Distance: 13km- Altitude: 2780 to 2100mts-hours 6- camping 2200mts.
Day 6: Distance: 4km,-Altitude: 2100 to 2450 mts-hours 6- hotel 2060mts.
Ecosystems: Scrub bush vegetation, Andean semi dry forest, cloud forest, inter Andean valleys. Grass land, alpine, glaciers.
Highlights: Some Inca remains. High biodiversity, flora, fauna. Ancient Inca road, sacred mountains, amazing landscape.
Climate: The temperature varies in between below cero C to 2ºC,morning ,night to 20ºC,middle day to 25ºC day,mountain climate, sunny to cloudy,windy.
The Inca road system called Capac Ñan (beautiful road or Great Inca road) it was the most extensive and complex ancient system in the new world. It is believed that this main road built it by the Incas was the main net work system that connected the four cardinal points in this part of the world. This sacred road was also part of the Inca empire high way of the Tawantinsuyo( the empire of the four corners).Chinchaysuyo(the north region,Contisuyo( the south region),Collasuyo (the west region) and then the Antisuyo( the east region )ending in the jungles of the unexplored Amazon
It use to run from south to north and from west to the east parts of the Andes with several primary and secondary roads that were connecting several sacred places, Inca cities, shires and administrative places as well military stations.All of them with great scale, beauty and functions, providing also all kind of sources for the people, helping the redistribution and spreading around the messages of the Incas, carried by Inca runners who where coming from the capital Cusco. The Capac ñan was a great web and work system with all the communication well organize with imperials and government messages and member in duty, used by the Inca people .In this way the Incas achieve a well organize empire and only with one language, one religion and one culture ,The Inca culture.
The Capac ñan covered a distance of over 40 thousand kilometers of primary and secundary roads made it by the Incas or added to their sistem from preInca civilizations and over 3000 kilometers long in a territory filled with one of the longest mountain range called the Andes over 9000 kilometers long, one of the densest jungle in the world the Amazon and one of the dries places in the world the dessert of Peru and Atacama. With elevations in between 100 to 5000 mts providing access to different ecosystem and territory estimates in over 5,000,000 square kilometers of territory, where the Incas built and crossed mountains valleys rivers and glaciers. The main road of the Incas was also beginning in the great capital of the Inca empire Cusco or Qosqo (navel of the world).According with the evidence found in this capital .There was the four main roads beginning in the sacred plaza of Aukaipata in the heart of the Inca capital city and used to go to the four directions of the empire ending in the places like the jungle and the high plateau of the Andes. Others covering valleys and then deserts ending close to the ocean.
It went in to places like Ecuador and Colombia in the north .as well to places like Bolivia, Argentina and the deserts of Atacama in between Peru and Chile. To access to those Inca roads it was mandatory to get permissions because many of f those Inca roads were used by members of the high classes and soldiers as well many representers of the government in duty. In some bridges taxes where charged as well many messagers were running through stations to deliver the messages that were connecting the different places.
The most spectacular and scenery road is found near Cusco that connects some sacred cities like Machu picchu, Choquequirao, Vilcabamba, Vitcos, Espiritu pampa.as well Sacred mountains called Apus like the Mythic Ausangante (6384 mts) and the Salcantay (6221mts).Finally some of those Inca trails are connecting communities in the area of Lares and the sacred valley ending some of the in the jungles of the department of Cusco.
itinerary
DAY 1 – Cusco to Santa maría, Urubamba rafting, Huancacalle.
We depart from Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and drive most of the day. We first pass trough Chinchero, a high plateau over 3700 meters then we go down to the Sacred Valley where we will see the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo. Later we ascend to the Abra Malaga, at 4315 meters before continuing down trough the other side of the cordillera of Urubamba and passing through different ecosystems until we arrive at the Urubamba River. There we will raft in class I, II, and III rapids for two hours before stopping for lunch in a nice spot with beautiful views. In the afternoon we explore the area of Vitcos and Ñusta Hispana,
Beautiful buildings were built at Vitcos and ñusta hispana that were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were religious retreats, plazas, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.We will bewatching for bird life, for 4 hours and about 7 kilometers round-trip. Camp is near the village of Huancacalle.
DAY 2 – Vitcos to Inca Wasi
Today we begin with fruit and cereal for breakfast before starting up to the Azutina Pass, altitude of 13,500 feet. Our 3-hour hike is rewarded with incredible views of the valleys and the mountains and a visit of the Inca ruins of Yuracrumi. We will see part of the Andean semidry forest with some native tree species like the Llaulli tree “Bernadesia Horrid” and Tancar trees “Duranta Armata” as well some species of finches and the giant hummingbird “Patagonia Gigas”.
Later we will continue trough the grassland area where we will see some species of grass like the “Ichu Stipa” and several bromeliads and we will again watch for hummingbirds. After lunch we hike for about 4 hours to the town of Pumachaca “bridge of the Pumas”, important because it is where some of the main Inca roads converge. This network system of Inca roads connected all of their cities, religious retreats, administrative centers and the military stations. We camp near the ruins of Inca Wasi.
DAY 3 – Inca Wasi to Mutuypata
We hike on an original Inca road toward the town of Racachaca, at 12000 feet, after which we continue to Hatun Pampa, a grassland area at the highest point of our trip, the pass of Yanacocha, rising almost 15,500 feet. During this expedition we will see the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, a branch of the Andes, the impressive of Salcantay Peak at 6284 meters and the Lazuna Glacier, 5470 meters. In good weather we will also see Machu Picchu Mountain, 10,000 feet. We continue downward to the lagoon of Laccococha. After a break we will continue to our camp near Mutuypata, 10,000 feet, where we will share stories about our day and all the wildlife we saw on the trail.
DAY 4 – Mutuypata to Santa Teresa
After a good breakfast we begin hiking at the edge of the cloud forest. We will be following the Sacsarayoc River into the valley of Mutuypata where we find hot springs and take time to relax in the warm water. After lunch we continue through the Yanatile River valley where we will see the impressive biodiversity of the high jungle, eventually coming to the village of Santa Teresa where we will stay overnight camping in the hot springs.
DAY 5 – Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
Today we hike the Urubamba River to the hydroelectric dam where we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, enjoying beautiful views of Machu Picchu from the gorge of the Urubamba River. After lunch and a visit to hot springs, there is time to relax and visit the hot springs in town, or visit the botanical gardens, or hike to one of the mountains nearby. Putucusi Mountain is about a 3-hour hike. We spend the night at the Plus hotel, 3 stars. (B, L, D).
DAY 6 – Machu picchu, Cusco
After a good breakfast we take the bus to Machu Picchu, about a 25-minute ride. If the weather is nice, we can try to catch sunrise at Machu Picchu Citadel. Following the full tour,
Machu Picchu is situated at the beginning, or “eye brow”, of the cloud forest. This allowed access to different altitudes, each with unique ecological conditions. The crops found at Machu Picchu include different varieties of corn, chilies, quinoa, tomatoes, trees, potatoes, suggesting that this was a good place to acclimate and domesticate species from the high and low jungles that later would be successfully introduced into the hanging valleys and elsewhere.
This small valley was suitable for the building of temples and astronomical observatories,palaces, plazas, streets, utilitarian and functional buildings,
ceremonial places, granaries, store houses and terraces for agriculture, Inca roads.
By analysis of soil, seeds, wood, and bones, Carbon Dating situates Incas in the area during the mid-1400s to mid-1500s. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca number 9 who named it “Pachacutek” or “Cusi Yupanqui”. Throughout the site, there is fine masonry and beautiful stonework, all of which is done without mortar. Construction used outside sources for laborers and two large granite quarries nearby. It is believed that the site was occupied by royalty and dignitaries, and that it was visited by the Inca and his entourage or royal court. Even though it was never quite completed, local scholars and historians believe that within a mere 100 years Machu Picchu was built, inhabited, and abandoned.
Several roads connect to bring pilgrims and essential supplies to Machu Picchu, the site of temples and astronomical observatories dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, the universe, the “Pachamama” and the creator “Wiracocha”.
we have free time to relax or hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, or hike a short section of the Inca trail called Intipunku. After lunch we have time to relax, enjoy, take pictures and see the wildlife. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.
Includes
We Provide and Include: Itinerary transport roundtrip from Cusco-Licensed, Bilingual, history and naturalist Tour Guides-All Itinerary Meals, including vegetarian & snacks, Safety orientation and Equipment for optional activities-First Aid kit and Oxygen-Tour specific Sleeping bags,air mattresses and Expedition grade tents-Dining tent, Cook & Services-Horses,Mules.Llamas for tour outfitting, wrangler staff, and emergency or back-up horse-Ecological, portable toilets-All Entrance Tickets-Bus up and down for Machu Picchu-Pre-purchased Return Train connections to Cusco.optional hikes in Machu picchu and Huayna picchu mountains and the Intipunku Inca trail.
Note
We can recommend the best and more comfortable hotels or we can take care of the reservations for you.
For adjusting to tour altitude, we suggest one day tours like the Sacred Valley hike,one day River Rafting before the Apurímac River and the City Tour of Cusco hike. As Guides we offer 100% Gauranteed Information, for your sensibilities – about the best specific hotel rooms and services around Peru, like extra windows and other amenities.
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Jeans and other pants are good as well.as well any clothes that cover the request of being water proof or resistance to water or cold are fine as long they are resistance to the conditions are fine.
- Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
- Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
- Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
- Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket)
- A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
- One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
- Sandals for River OR DRYSHOES.ASWELL use or CAMP OR HOTEL use (Teva types).
- Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
- Reading material.
- Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
- Bathing Suit.
- Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
- Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
- A bandana for neck protection.
- A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
- Camera and plenty of film.
- Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
