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CUSCO, PERU
9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS
May 8th- May 16th, 2024 (sold out)
May 18th - May 26th, 2024 (sold out)
"Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land."- Hiram Bingham
Get ready for an incredible Peruvian adventure that will take you on a journey through the captivating landscapes and ancient wonders.
With each step of this Inca Trail Trek, you'll be captivated by the beauty and cultural richness that surrounds you. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we explore Cusco, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. Prepare for an adventure filled with unforgettable moments in one of the world's most captivating places.
The Inca Trail is an ancient pathway that stretches for 26 miles through the Peruvian Andes. It was originally used by the Incas as a pilgrimage route to reach the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, which served as a spiritual and administrative center. The trail itself is lined with archaeological sites, temples, and ceremonial platforms that offer a glimpse into the vibrant Inca civilization.
Our local guides will lead us through diverse landscapes from mountain passes and cloud forests to valleys and rivers. We'll have the opportunity to explore temples, ceremonial platforms, and stone structures that have withstood the test of time, marveling at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Incas.
As we reach the culmination of our journey, we'll stand in awe at the Sun Gate, gazing upon the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The reward for our efforts will be a breathtaking view of this UNESCO World Heritage site, bathed in the golden light of the sunset.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 26 miles over four days, with daily hikes ranging from 5 to 7 miles a day. It requires a reasonable level of fitness and endurance as hikers navigate steep ascents, descents, and uneven terrain. It's possible to hire porters to carry 15 pounds of weight so that you can enjoy the trek unencumbered.
Before embarking on the epic Inca Trail, we will enjoy a delightful stay at Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel nestled in the heart of Cusco. This charming accommodation will provide us with a cozy retreat where we can relax and prepare for our adventure ahead. Each morning in Cusco, we will be greeted with a scrumptious breakfast spread provided by the hotel, setting the perfect foundation for our day with a nourishing and satisfying meal.
But the culinary experiences don't stop there! We will have the wonderful opportunity to explore the local cuisine together through two special group dinners. The first is a welcome dinner held upon our arrival in Cusco, where we will gather as a group and indulge in the flavors of the region. This will be a time to get to know our fellow trekkers and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Cusco. The second dinner will be a celebration of our incredible achievement after we've completed the Inca trail and reach Machu Picchu!
As we embark on the Inca Trail, we will stay in spacious and comfortable shared tents provided by the campgrounds along the route. It's possible to book a private tent if you prefer. Our dedicated local guide team will take care of preparing all the meals throughout the trek, ensuring that we are well-fed and fueled for our adventure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
ROOM SELECTION & PRICING:
You get yourself to Cusco and we'll have a room ready for you! If you're flying in, you'll want to land at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. From the airport you'll take a 25 minute taxi ride to our hotel. Once you're checked and settled-in, you’ll be on your own to explore and shake off the jetlag. At this point all we ask is that you find something tasty for dinner and to try to get some sleep.
Accommodations: Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco
On our first full day in Cusco we will be spent the day acclimatizing to our new environment. You'll have the opportunity to sign up for a Cusco City tour, explore on your own, or perhaps just recover from long travels at the hotel.
We'll meet in the evening for our group welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco
Our journey to Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, begins with a 3:30 pick up time as we take a bus to the heart of the Andes. This geological marvel showcases vibrant bands of red, yellow, green, and blue, creating a breathtaking panorama. The tour includes a picturesque hike through valleys, past glacial lakes, culminating in reaching the summit. Standing amidst this surreal landscape is a truly awe-inspiring experience, witnessing a natural phenomenon that's truly one-of-a-kind.
Accommodations: Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco
We'll start our trek at 82Km or Piscacucho, taking a different route than most other companies. We'll trace the Urubamba River's right bank toward Qoriwayrachina (88 km), venturing along an original, less-traveled Inca Trail. After visiting the Incan site of Machu Q’ente we'll officially enter the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. After a well deserved lunch break, we'll ascend for an hour to explore the awe-inspiring Incan site of Wayna Qente, another off-the-beaten-track archaeological wonder exclusive to our tour. We'll conclude the day by savoring the sunset with a comforting cup of hot cocoa before heading back to our campsite at Chamana, nestled beside the Incan site of PataLllaqta. (Moderate, 6.1 miles)
Accommodations: Camping in the small village of Chamana
This day takes us to the impressive Llaqtapata Incan site, a sprawling city nestled at the confluence of the Urubamba and Wayllabamba rivers. Our exploration will lead us through the religious precinct of Pulpituyoq and a portion of the urban area, before continuing on to Wayllabamba. In the afternoon, the trek becomes more demanding as we commence our ascent towards the campsite. This leg of the journey offers a variety of flora, fauna and birdlife. Arriving at Lluluchapampa campsite, we'll relish in the accomplishment and take in the awe-inspiring view of the highest point of the trail, the Huarmihuañusca, also known as the 'Dead Woman’s Pass.' (Hard, 5.8 Miles)
Accommodations: Camping at campsite along the Inca trail
This challenging day takes us up towards Dead Woman’s Pass for a panoramic view of the Andes. After capturing mandatory photos, we'll descend for approximately 2.5 hours, heading towards Pacayamayo, our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we'll tackle the second mountain pass of the trail. Along the way, we'll explore the unique Incan sites of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca, all while being treated to magnificent views within the enchanting cloud forest. Our campsite for the night will be just outside the Inca site of 'Phuyupatamarca,' which translates to 'Town in the Clouds.' (Hard, 6.5 miles)
Accommodations: Camping at campsite along the Inca Trail
In the early morning, we'll embark on a short climb to the Incan religious center, "Ushnu," for a mesmerizing sunrise with hot cocoa. We'll head back to camp and pack up before descending down to the Sun Gate in to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we explore captivating Incan sites like Phuyupatmarca, Intipata, and the breathtaking Winaywayna before we arrive at Machupicchu. The goal is to arrive just before sunset and the site's closing time. Once Machu Picchu closes, we'll catch a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we'll celebrate our accomplishments with a group dinner. (Moderate, 6.1 miles)
Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
We'll rise early to catch an early bus to Machu Picchu for a comprehensive guided tour of this magnificent Incan site. Our knowledgeable guides will share the rich history of the area as we take in the sunrise. In the afternoon, we'll board our train for the return journey to Cusco.
Accommodations: Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco
Whether you're going home or continuing your travels, we'll be checking out of our hotels today and wishing you safe journeys ahead.
Yes we have 2 types of payment options:
Please visit our PAYMENT PLAN page for more information.
Absolutely! While prior backpacking experience can be helpful, it is not a requirement for joining our Machu Picchu Backpacking Retreat. With the help of our guides and porters, this trip will push your physically while also being a great introduction to multi-day backpacking.
To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, it's recommended that you engage in physical training and conditioning beforehand. Focus on building endurance through activities such as hiking, walking, or jogging. Strengthening your core and leg muscles through exercises like squats and lunges can also be beneficial.
Tents will be provided but camping gear is not while on the trail. We have gear available for rent, or you are welcome to bring your own gear. If you need to rent gear, you will have the opportunity to add your gear rental in a separate form after your register for the event.
We generally have a wide range of ages at our retreats. The average tends to fall between the ages of 30 to 45. But we have had quite a few participants in their 60's join as well. It really is up to the attitude and physical ability of the participant.
That's no problem! After you register we'll send you a form where you can inform us about any dietary restrictions.
In general, most refugios and restaurants we'll be visiting are accustomed to catering to different dietary requirements. They often offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as dishes suitable for gluten-free, lactose-free, or other specific dietary needs. Also the provided dehydrated dinners also are delicious and suitable for a variety of diets.
We will have group porters to carry our camping and cooking gear, but you will be responsible for carrying your own personal gear. if you would like a porter to carry your gear, you must hire an additional porter. A Half porter fee is $150 and will allow up to 15lbs to be carried. We strongly recommend hiring an extra porter if you do not have any experience hiking at high altitudes or hiking for more than one day at a time.
If you do not plan to hire an extra porter, you must be able to carry your own backpack.
The majority of participants come to our retreats alone - somewhere around 90%. If you are hesitating to join because you would be coming solo, please know that we expect a majority of our participants to be joining by themselves.
We have a very strict cancellation policy. Please review it before committing to this retreat. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing trip protection as we will not modify our cancellation policy under any circumstances.
As a citizen of the United States, you do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism purposes. As a U.S. passport holder, you can enter Peru as a tourist for a period of up to 183 days (approximately 6 months) per calendar year. This allows you to visit Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru without needing a visa.
However, it's important to note that visa requirements and policies can change.
In May, Machu Picchu undergoes a transition from the wet season to the dry season. The weather is characterized by pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 70°F to 79°F and nighttime lows around 50°F to 55°F. While occasional showers may still occur, they are less frequent and intense compared to the preceding months.
We recommend flying into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru (CUZ) and taking a 25-minute taxi ride to our hotel in the heart of the city.
You are required to carry all your personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp pillow), clothing, toiletries and medications, water and any snacks or treat you may want. Our campsites will have tents set up for us, and our guides and porters will carry all our meal and kitchen needs. If you hire a porter, you will be able to divide your gear and give your camping gear and extra clothings and snacks to a porters each day to reduce your weight in your day back while you hike. Our porters will meet us at camp with our packs at the end of the hike.
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