Machu Picchu Trek

Day 1 - Sept. 10, 2012 (B)

We will spend the first day adapting to the altitude in Cusco before we start our four day trek up to Machu Picchu. During this time we can explore the wonderful city which is a UNESCO World Heritage We can sit and relax with a Pisco Sour in the evening. 

Day 2 -Sept. 11. 2012 Whitewater Rafting  (B,L)

From Cusco we will start our whitewater raft on the Urubamba River. The Urubamba flows from the Andes of southern Peru. The whitewater is rated at II – IV. We will be there during the dry season so class IV may be stretching it.

 

Day 3 - Sept. 12, 2012 (B,L,D) Machu Picchu Trek

Trek to Wayllabamba
7.5 miles
Start Altitude 8,856'
Max Altitude 9,900 '

Today we start the trek to Machu Picchu.

 


On the first day, we will trek for about seven hours, through lush farmland and woodlands to our first camp called Wayllabamba. 

Day 4 - Sept. 13, 2012 (B,L,D) Machu Picchu Trek
6.8 miles
Start Altitude 9,900'
Max Altitude 13,780'

Trek through Dead Women's Pass 

This trail marks the toughest part of the trail to Machu Picchu, as we pass through Dead Women's Pass at 13,780 feet. It is a beautiful panoramic view of the area.

We will arrive at Inca Ruins of Runkurakay, a lookout post. Then onto the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca which means the inaccessible city, was an ancient Incan university for astronomy. We will have a guided tour through both of them.

Day 5 - Sept. 14, 2012 Full Moon (B,L,D) Machu Picchu Trek
10 miles
Start Altitude 11,480
Max Altitude 12,782'

Winay Huayna

We will continue trekking to Winay Huayna (Forever Young), a beautiful Inca construction. We camp near to the ruins and have well deserved nutritious dinner.  Imagine the full moon.

We celebrate with our support staff tonight.

Beer, hot showers and messages are available.
 

Day 6 - Sept. 15, 2012 (B) Machu Picchu at Sunrise
2.5 miles
Start Altitude 8,692'
Max Altitude 8,829'

We will start really early to arrive at Machu Picchu just as the sun is coming up. We walk for about an hour through the forest before arriving at the Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where we will have our first inspiring view of Machu Picchu.

We admire the view before setting off for the short walk into the ruins. There will be a 2 hour fully guided tour around the ruins, visiting the main sites and monuments. After the tour we will have free time to wander around and explore by ourselves.

Machu Picchu 

After spending the day at Machu Picchu, we will be driven by bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). There are three good restaurants here ranging from Peruvian food to pizza. We will look around and see where we can get in and what we want to eat. Prices are $5 to $13 for lunch.  In the afternoon we take the Vista Dome train back to Cusco, where we will be transferred back to the hotel. 


Vista Dome Train

Day 7- Sept. 16, 2012 (B)

Warachikuy Festival

After a much need good night’s sleep, we will go to the Warachikuy Festival at Sacsayhuaman (pronouce sexy woman).

This festival dates from the Incas. It was something like an "initiation" ceremony in which young men got their first breech cloth. In order to get the breech cloth the young men had to pass different athletic tests and sham battles. After successfully passing all tests they got their citizenship and ability for getting married and warring.

Day 8 - Sept 17, 2012 - (B)

Today we say our goodbyes and head home.



Included:

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian options available)
Hotel DBL OCC - Day 1, Day 2, Day 6 and Day 7
Transport to start of white water rafting
Whitewater rafting
Helmets, life vest, and splash jackets for whitewater rafting
Private Transportation to the start of Inca Trail
English speaking Guide
Pre-briefing the night before trail departure date
Duffels to put your luggage into including plastic bag to keep your gear dry during rainy season
Water from lunch-time on the 1st day on the trail to the end of the Inca trail (boiled water).
Bowl of warm water in the mornings to freshen up provided to each person.
Entrance fee onto Inca Trail and into Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Tents
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Mat
All camping other camping equipment
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kite
Porters to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
Porter to carry 15 pounds of your equipment.
Vista Dome train ticket back to Cusco
Private transfer from train station to hotel.