THE INCA TRAIL

11 days from GBP1,903 to GBP2,253 including flights

Tripcode: TPT

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lima.
Day 2: Cuzco. An early departure for the short and scenic flight to Cuzco. The Inca Capital which - though small enough to be easily manageable - is among the most attractive cities in South America, with many interesting buildings, museums and sites. To help acclimatise, take an optional walking tour of the Inca capital and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qenco, which overlook the city.
Day 3: Free day in Cuzco. A further free day. Take an optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Pisac ruins, or a river-rafting trip (Grade III) can be arranged on the Urubamba River (although river conditions vary throughout the season).
Day 4: Start Inca Trail. Transfer by bus to trailhead at Piscacucho, on the Vilcanota River. Hike along the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snowcapped Nevado Veronica through cactus gardens and fields of corn to the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, then continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.
Day 5: This is the longest and most strenuous day. A long climb takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman) pass, at 4,234m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo river (3600m).
Day 6: Another easier climb, past the ruins of Runquracay, takes us over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; the Trail passes at one point through an Inca tunnel. We camp on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (4000m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.
Day 7: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From the ridge we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayña, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun. From here we get our sudden first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Pichu rising behind. Passing around the ruins, we descend to the river and Puente Ruinas for a well-earned rest, and possibility of a shower.
Day 8: Machu Pichhu at dawn. We return early for a tour of the ruins at their quietest and most evocative (before the day trippers arrive from Cuzco). After free time to explore individually, we then board the train in the afternoon (though its timings are somewhat erratic and the journey may be partly in the dark). The ride follows the rapids of the Urubamba River, enters the sacred valley, then climbs onto the altiplano to Cuzco.
Day 9: Free day in Cuzco. Free time to relax in Cuzco.
Day 10: End Lima. We return to Lima in the morning and have the rest of the day free for shopping and sightseeing, including an optional visit to the Gold Museum. The group flight departs in the evening and arrives the next day. Those on land-only arrangements will leave us in Lima.
Day 11: Arrive London.