Inca Trail

Overview

This challenge is a trek along the spectacular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail trek has been described as probably the most spectacular short trek in the world, a chance to trek along a granite path built more than 500 years ago. Importantly we spend ample time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley whilst acclimatising to the altitude before heading to the trail. During the walk we experience a complete range of environs. We ascend the jungle trails and cloud forest to appreciate the panorama of Andean peaks that would have inspired the Inca people as we make our way to Machu Picchu. Words cannot describe the exhilaration of the first sighting of these enigmatic ruins. The route and campsites we choose are special because we manage to avoid the most crowded campsites on this ever popular trail. We also spend time in the remarkable city of Cusco, formerly capital of the vast Inca Empire, plus visits to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its unique traditional markets.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK. Fly to Lima

Day 2 Fly Lima to Cusco. Rest of the day at leisure/acclimatising

On arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest. Light lunch. Afternoon gentle orientation walk around Cusco. Evening pre-trek briefing and group meal. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Day in Cusco and surrounding sights

You may be keen to begin the main walking portion of the challenge today but we must be prepared. Over the next two days it is vital that we acclimatise correctly to increase our chances of completing the challenge. When acclimatising it is best to take things slow & drink a lot of water. Cusco and the Sacred Valley provide a wonderful place to acclimatise as there are many things to see and do. Every alleyway we enter or corner we turn brings another surprise or enigma in the form of the superbly constructed Incaic walls or the more architecturally extravagant colonial churches and palaces. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro’s men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. We also take a short drive to visit the huge ruins site at Sacsayhuaman, spectacularly set above the city. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Drive 2 hours to Inca Salt pans (3,780m) and then trek down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2,800m) 2 hour trek

Our two hour walk will allow further acclimatisation in preparation for the Inca trail. A picnic lunch is planned en-route. During our time in the valley we visit some of the enthralling citadels, fortresses and temple ruins that are found along the valley including the site at Ollantaytambo. The valley follows the course of the famous Urubamba River one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. The evening is spent preparing for the trek at our hotel in the heart of the valley. (B/L/D)

Day 5 On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2750m) 5 hour trek

Today we officially begin our challenge to Machu Picchu along the famous Inca Trail! Early morning departure for a beautiful short (one hour) drive to the trailhead at Chilca. At this point we meet our cooks, porters and camp staff before setting off on this most famous Royal Highway of the Incas built more than 500 years ago. This first day of the challenge involves a walk which lasts about approximately 5 hours during which we follow a well defined path along the Urubamba River to our first campsite at Patallacta (2,750m) set below an ancient Inca City built on a series of terraces. (B/L/D)

Day 6 One of the hardest days of the challenge (4,198m) 8-9 hour trek

A solid 6 hour steady uphill hike, with a break for lunch, takes us to the popular and very beautiful valley at Lulluchapampa (3,780m) on this classic trail. From here we climb steeply up to the ‘Inca Trail’s’ highest pass, Warmihuañusca, at 13,700’ (4,198m). After a rest at the pass, and time to take in the spectacular views, we drop very steeply down into the Pacamayo Valley where we camp. (B/L/D)

Day 7 A long day that involves crossing two passes (3,900m & 3,600m) 8-9 hours

From our camp at Pacaymayo continue up the trail to the small but impressively set ruins at Runkuraqay and on to Cochapata set just below the second pass at 12,800’ (3,900m). We then drop down to the imposing ruins of Sayacmarca, or “Place with a Dominant View”, then continue on through serene polylepis woodland to Cochapata where we have lunch. A short hike from here takes us to our stunning campsite set above the ruins of Phuyupatamarca 11,900’ (3,600m), so aptly named the ‘City in the Clouds’. Below us are laid out the great forest-covered peaks and deep dark valleys – the setting of our goal, Machu Picchu at 7,900’ (2,400m). (B/L/D)

Day 8 The last day of the challenge to Machu Picchu. (2,400m) 6 – 7 hour trek

Today we will reach the goal we’ve been training for – Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast we walk down along an incredibly well preserved section of the trail with great white granite slab walls and staircases all impressively set in high jungle. On the way we’ll take time out to explore extensive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, before covering the last couple of miles to finally reach Inti Punku (The Gateway to the Sun) awe-inspiringly set above the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. Your first view of the ruins really does take your breath away! Late afternoon bus (30 mins) down to Aguas Calientes for overnight a ‘special’ celebratory meal and party. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Day at Machu Picchu

Today we have the option to take a bus back up to the ruins of Machu Picchu for the day to explore the superb buildings and terraces in this magical place. Own arrangements for lunch. Mid-afternoon bus down to train station for 4 hour journey back to Ollantaytambo where we board a private bus to Cusco. Evening free – no group meal. Stay the night in a hotel. (B)

Day 10 Fly to Lima. Return flight to the UK

Today we transfer to Cusco airport for flight to Lima where we connect to our international flight. (B)

Day 11 Arrive London Heathrow

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
20 Sep - 30 Sep 2012	£1,470	How to book
01 Dec - 31 Dec 2012	more dates available	How to book

How to book

For more information about this trip or to book your place please contact us on trailblazers@rockuk.org or 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Cost includes:

• Internal flights, Lima to Cusco return
• Accommodation: on a twin-share basis throughout
• Meals as shown in itinerary B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner. All meals included on trek
• Transport: all group transport and airport transfers throughout
• Tours: All guide fees and entrance costs are included on all sections mentioned in the challenge itineraries (including: the Machu Picchu National Park entry of US$110 and the Cusco Sacred Valley entry fee of $28)
• Equipment: All group camping equipment, good quality fibre-filled sleeping bag, fibre-fill jacket, duffle bag, basic medical kits, oxygen (for emergency use only), tents, eating utensils etc.
• Inflatable mats not included although an Ensolite pad for sleeping on is issued to each person
• Trekking Services: Guides, cooks, porters and or pack animals
• English speaking professional guide throughout and in depth briefing on arrival

Cost excludes:

• International flights
• Cost of laundry, personal spending and beverages
• Airport taxes, domestic (USD 6 each way) & international Peruvian (USD 31) airport taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Tips
• Medical treatment
• Excess baggage costs
• Vaccinations
• Western Doctor

A Typical day on the Trail

Our trekking days on the challenge start at around 6.30am with a wake-up call and a cup of tea brought to your tent. Hot water is available for a light morning wash. Breakfast, served in the dining tent, consists of hot cereal, porridge, toast and jam, along with coffee, hot milk and tea. On some days we serve bacon and eggs or pancakes. It’s generally a good idea for you to pack up your duffle bags and prepare your daypacks before breakfast so that the porters and camp staff can pack the tents and organise the loading for departure.

The morning’s hike usually lasts from about 8am–12.30pm, allowing plenty of rest and photo stops. A picnic-type lunch, prepared by one of the cooks who accompanies us during the morning, consists of salads, salamis, cheese, peanut butter, bread, crackers, tinned meats and fish, topped off by freshly brewed tea and biscuits. After lunch we set off for the afternoon’s hike – usually two to three hours to the next camp.

On arrival in camp (which will have already been set up by the camp staff) tea and coffee will be served and you are then free to do as you like until dinner time. Served at 6.30–7pm, dinner consists of three courses – soup or fresh salad, a main course of stews, spaghetti or rice dishes (all prepared with fresh meat and vegetables), followed by dessert, tea, coffee and Milo. Nor will you go hungry during the walking day. In addition to lunch you will also be given a single ‘snack pack’, made up of chocolate, dried fruit, nuts and fresh fruit.

Most of the walking is on fairly well-defined tracks, including some remarkable sections of ancient Inca stone ‘highways’. There are occasional river crossings, but no really steep sections where scrambling is involved.

Most groups like to spread out over the trail, stopping for photographs, resting, bird watching or just ambling and taking time out to absorb the lovely surroundings. The only thing we ask you to remember is not to get too far ahead of, or behind, the main party, and to keep your guide within view. One of the guides or camp staff almost always walks with the slowest member of the group, so there’s no chance of being left behind. Obviously, in the event of very bad weather or adverse conditions, the guide will keep the group as close together as possible.

Dietary Requirements

We are happy to make the necessary arrangements for vegetarians and those who have special dietary requirements. To ensure we cater for your needs please make sure that the we are informed of your needs.

Weight Allowance for the Inca Trail

The maximum weight allowed on the Inca Trail for every participant’s baggage is 10 kilos. You will be provided with a small duffle bag to use while on the trip.

This 10kg limit is the absolute maximum and must include all clothes that you will take on trail (apart from what you are wearing when you enter the trail system), all/any of your personal belongings (except what you are carrying already in your personal daypack) and also includes the sleeping bag, inner sheet and sleeping pad, that will be provided at the start of your challenge. If at all possible it is preferable if you can actually reduce this maximum weight to just 8 kilos.

Your small duffle bags are carefully weighed before you start the trek and also again at the start of the trail system.

The Country and Its People

Peru has a population of 28 million, made up of pure-blooded Indians (biggest group are the Quechuas, whose forebears were the “Incas”) and Mestizos, who are a mixture of Indian and European backgrounds. More than half the population lives in the largest cities, namely Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo. Peru has an area of 1,300,000 square kms, and is located on the Pacific coast of South America.

Its capital, Lima, located 12° south of the equator, was the capital of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the early 19th Century. The old central part of the city with its impressive commercial section, whose architecture was greatly influenced by the English, contrasts sharply with the more modern office blocks, shopping centres and suburbs and especially the ever expanding shanty towns or “pueblos jovenes” where the poorer country cousins, who move to the city to try and find work, live. Official languages are Spanish and Quechua.

Geographically, Peru is made up of the three distinct regions. Firstly the arid coastal strip, mainly desert and up to 60 kms wide. Down the centre of the country runs the great range of snow peaks and highlands that make up part of the immensely long chain of mountains known as the Andes, running from Colombia in the north all the way to the southern tip of Chile. The third region is the jungle – from the “eyebrow of the jungle” in the Andean foothills to the pristine jungles of the great Amazon rain forest.

The coastal area is the economic heartland of Peru, and the coastal waters with the cold Humboldt Current running north up the coast contain some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. The highlands or “sierra” contain more than a third of the population – mostly the Quechua- or Aymara-speaking Indians engaged mainly in pastoral farming. This is a high, very often lush and fertile land of gentle slopes and valleys surrounded by the high peaks of the Cordilleras Vilcabamba, Vilcanota and Blanca.

Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire, stands at 3400 metres (11,200’) in the heart of the southern sierra. It is remarkable for the perfect stonework of its Inca ruins, its many beautiful colonial churches and palaces, and of course the world-renowned ruins of the lost city of the Incas at Machu Picchu.

Climate

Temperatures in the area around Lima are warm during the day (20-25°C) and cool (5°C) at night. In the highlands of Peru, where the treks take place, daytime temperatures will be in the range of 10-20°C falling as low as -10°C at night. Also it is possible that we’ll get some snow on the higher ground and some of the higher passes.

Adventure Travel Challenges

By its very nature an adventure travel challenge involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most from your adventure it is important to be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.

Conservation

Peru’s environments are extremely fragile. The rapidly increasing population puts immeasurable pressure on these environments and the country’s resources and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.

It has always been our motto that “we take only photographs and leave only footprints”; therefore we are keenly aware of the ecology of the areas we visit and try and limit our effect on them. We ask that all trekkers thoughtfully dispose of wrappers and toilet paper by placing them in the proper receptacles at the campsite (Note: If you bought your batteries in your home country then you should take them back for proper/correct disposal) – usually a bag for organic waste and another for inorganic. It is also a good idea during the trekking day to carry a small plastic bag – in which to store any refuse, sweet wrappers, toilet tissues etc., and give it to the camp hands when you arrive at camp. On the Inca Trail we carry out ALL waste – our aim is to leave nothing on the trail. With all groups we now use a PETT portable toilet which uses both bio-degradable bags and organic compounds that break down the waste – and once again all this waste is carried out.

Since we use professional porters to carry our camp and personal gear and there are now very well defined weight restrictions on the trail we ask all participants to keep the personal items they take with them on the trail to a minimum. Your guide will help you choose the most essential items.

Inca Trail Permits Are Limited

Inca Trail permits are limited to 500 per day. The permits are sold on a first come, first served basis and it is not unusual for them to be sold out in a day as during peak seasons they are in high demand from trekkers across the globe. For every 1 participant permit purchased another 2-3 are required for necessary staff. So the 500 permits are not solely dedicated to 500 trekkers, it is 500 people in total – clients and staff. For this reason a participants place on the challenge can only be confirmed once we have secured their permit. A permit MUST be secured for everyone participating, or they will not be able to trek the Inca Trail. We encourage that people sign up early and are aware of the Inca Trail permit situation as this will affect the speed of their decision.
The policy is very strict and our experience has proven that there are NO exceptions, so we ask you for your assistance by providing the following details at the time of signing up to the challenge:

1. Passengers exact passport details at time of signing up. This includes their title, first name, surname, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. It is critical that the exact first name as per the passport is supplied i.e Alexander, not Alex.
2. This challenge requires the prepayment of an Inca Trail Permit (which includes entrance into Machu Picchu) and service fee of £65 per person which is non-refundable and non-transferable. The cost of your challenge includes the Inca Trail Permit and service fee and this prepayment should not be viewed as an additional cost. We recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

We thank you for your assistance with this to ensure your Inca Challenge runs smoothly.