| Peru Adventure Travel and vacation packages - Enigma Cusco | ||
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Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N 2012 |
Itinerary |
Day 2: Llactapata to LlulluchapampaWe wake up early to continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft). All along the way we see spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km and reaches the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day and the next one specially, your day-pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness.
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Inca Trail to machu Picchu |
Itinerary |
Day 3: Llulluchapampa to PhuyupatamarcaAfter breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend the night there.
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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu |
Itinerary |
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca to MachupicchuToday, we might have the chance to appreciate one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Inca Trail, provided the sky is clear, as Phuyupatamarca’s location offers awesome views at this moment of the day. We then start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), where we find a campsite equipped with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machupicchu and consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may enjoy spectacular views over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu, weather permitting. From Intipunku, a short walk brings us down to the entrance from where we continue down to Puente Ruinas, a campsite located just at the basement of the Machupicchu Mountain. We camp and dine at this place. (***)
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Cloud Forest |
Itinerary |
Day 5: Machupicchu to CuscoWe wake up early and board a bus, which will take us up to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. We will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day), or we can visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. * Departure and arrival times are approximated. |
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu |
Difficulty degree of this hike |
Moderate to challenging |
Price Information |
Prices per person 2011 Prices per person depend on the group size, the larger the group the lower the price per person. Please click here to check our prices, specifying:
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned):
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Porters on the Inca Trail |
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Departure dates 2011 |
Daily departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to alternative routes. All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: http://nahuidev.drc-cusco.gob.pe/ RCI Nahui Ingresar Como Invitado Consultas Disponibilidad Camino Inca (please select the month and then click on "Ver Disponibilidad"). All private service departure dates are adapted to your request. |
Inca Trail -
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According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees. THEREFORE:
VERY IMPORTANT:
The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us. |
Group Size |
To suit group requirements. |
What is included |
(*) Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley with an additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco will be provided. This does not apply for the Hiram Bingham luxury train service |
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu |
What is not included |
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What we recommend that you bring |
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View from Sayacmarca |
Optional services to be hired |
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Why choose ENIGMA |
We are aware other operators may offer the Inca Trail or other programs at a lower price. This does not mean they are offering the same program at a lower price: the level of service will not be the same. We understand price is definitely an issue but we kindly request our potential guests and clients to choose a responsible tour operator as otherwise, you risk to be indirectly promoting the exploitation of rural communities and the growth of informal and illegal operators that do not build on the country’s development and growth. |
Appropriate clothing along the Inca Trail |
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list. |
Climate |
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night. At Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night. |
Llactapata |
How to make a Booking |
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website by clicking here.
In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please contact us, we will be very glad to assist you. Your request will be answered by return mail within a maximum of 2 working days. |
Booking Terms & Conditions |
1. CANCELLATION BY ENIGMA ADVENTURE TOUR
OPERATOR The following refund policies apply in each case: 2. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT In case of cancellation by the client, the following refund policies apply: Inca Trail or any trek including the Inca Trail All other treks or programs (excluding custom itineraries and mountain
climbing programs) Cancellations regarding custom itineraries and mountain climbing programs will depend on each specific program and will therefore be agreed upon between ENIGMA and the client by e-mail accordingly. ENIGMA reserves the right to modify the above-mentioned cancellations and refund policies. All modifications will be immediately informed to the affected client through written communication. 3. PRICES AND SURCHARGES 4. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK 5. AUTHORITY ON TOUR 6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 7. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY'S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE) 8. RESPONSIBILITY 9. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms. |
Copyright © Enigma Adventure Tour Operator 2003 - 2011. |
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