The INCA TRAIL and BEYOND -CONTACT US
16 days - An extended trek through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu - More time for acclimatisation - Sensational mountain views - Early morning at Machu Picchu - The classic train journey to Cusco
Flying via Lima to Cusco, we have 2 days for sightseeing and acclimatisation in this ancient Inca capital, visiting the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo in the nearby Sacred Valley. Starting our trek on a picturesque trail around Huayanay Peak, we climb through forest to alpine meadows and cross the Ancascocha (4625m.) and Warmiwanusqa (4200m.) passes. On this quite superb 3-day extension to the regular Inca Trail, we are likely to see no other trekkers. Once on the main trail, we encounter increasingly impressive Inca ruins such as Sayacmarca and Winay Huayna, before our arrival at Machu Picchu, the world-famous lost city of the Incas. The Inca Trail has become popular in recent years, but that doesn't diminish its beauty and mystery. Blue glacial lakes, cloud forest, orchids, hummingbirds, magnificent Inca settlements and the impressive stone-paved 400 year-old trail itself, there is no other short trek in the world which offers such a variety of experiences.
DURATION: 7 nights hotels & lodges, 6 nights camping, 7 days MODERATE trekking, max. altitude - 4625m. Some meals not included.
Brief Trip Outline & Notes
Day 1. Depart UK and arrive Lima late evening. Transfer to our hotel. (Land only clients join at hotel).
Day 2. Fly to Cusco (3200m).
Day 3-4. In Cusco for acclimatisation and sightseeing.
Day 5. Drive to Ollantaytambo (2850m) in the Sacred Valley.
Day 6. Trek to Ancascocha (cocha meaning lake). The total height gain for the day is approximately 1000 metres.
Days 7-9. Cross the Ancascocha (4625m.) and Warmiwanusqa (4200m.) passes en route to Cochapata (3900m) and our campsite beside a small lake.
Day 10. Cross the Runccuracay Pass (3985m) to our camp in the spectacular Urubamba Valley.
Day 11. Trek to the famous lost city of Machu Picchu (2400m).Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the Hostal Machu Picchu.
Day 12. Full day at the ruins. Return by train to Cusco.
Day 13. Free day in Cusco.
Day 14. Fly to Lima. Morning of sightseeing in and around Lima. Depart Lima. (Land only clients depart).
Day 15. Arrive UK.
