DAY 01: Cusco
Reception at Cusco airport and transfer to
your hotel. Morning at leisure to rest in order to avoid altitude
sickness. In the afternoon, city tour of Cusco visiting the Main
Square, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha.
Then,
we drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay,
Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán,
which is strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco.
DAY 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas”. On Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays, we´ll visit the typical Indian market.
(On Sunday with a catholic mass service celebrated in Quechua, the
native language). Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
In the afternoon we continue our trip to the Inca Fortress and Citadel
of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entry of this part
of the valley and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles;
consisting in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones
accessed by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk
through the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural
centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the military
strategy against possible invasions. On our way back to Cusco we
will visit the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero where the
remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui lies.
Admire its well preserved Inca Wall at the Main Square, visit the
beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting
frescoes on the portico.
DAY 03: Cusco - Chilca - Wayllabamba
This morning our bus will take us to Chilca and km. 77 where our
trek will begin along the left bank of the Urubamba River, with
splendid views of the 19,000-foot tall, snow-capped Waqaywillka,
or Mt. Verónica. We will pass the hill fort of Willkaraqay,
an ancient pre-Inka town. From here we look upon the stunning city
of Llaqtapata, or Patallacta, the first of the Inka sites that we
see. Dinner and overnight in tents at the campsite.
DAY 04: Wayllabamba - Warmiwañusca -
Pacaymayo
Begin this morning by hiking gradually uphill, often up flights
of stairs, to cross Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s
Pass!), the highest point of our hike at just over 13,910 feet.
As we climb, we traverse several environmental zones - from temperate
valley forest to the treeless grasslands of the windswept highlands.
After stopping for the endless spectacular views at the gap, we
descend to the Pacaymayo, where you will camp and have dinner.
DAY 05: Pacaymayo - Puyu Patamarka - Wiñay
Huayna
After breakfast start hiking towards Runkurakay having a guided
visit at the archaeological complex of Runkurakay. Afterwards continue
hiking towards the second most important pass of the trail at 3,850
m.a.s.l. and then descend towards the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca.
It is dramatically located on the edge of a rocky promontory with
spectacular vistas of the Aobamba Valley and the distant snow-covered
peak of Mt. Pumasillo. This royal center is positioned on the edge
of a cloud forest filled with a visual wealth of orchids, colorful
birds and other wildlife, and to reach it we must climb a narrow,
steep staircase cut out of the mountainside’s stone face.
We also pass by Conchamarka, a small, recently discovered tambo.
After a short break you will continue walking to Puyu Patamarka
and then descend to Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young) for a guided
visit of this impressive archaeological complex with a spectacular
setting. Perhaps the most beautiful of the citadels along the Inka
road, Wiñaywayna is named for an orchid native to the area
that blooms all year and garlands the city with hues of brilliant
scarlet, violet and gilded umber. Stunningly located on the steep
slope overlooking the Urubamba River, the architecture of the complex
is truly dazzling. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
DAY 06: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu
- Cusco
After breakfast, have a very early start to arrive in time for
sunrise at Machu Picchu. Two more hours of trekking takes us to
the Intipunku, or Gate of the Sun, where we look upon the magnificent
citadel of Machu Picchu below.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, three-hours guided tour around the
citadel, visiting the main sites and monuments. After the tour
you will have free time to wander around, then you will meet with
the rest of the group to drive by bus down to Aguas Calientes
for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, transfer by train
to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco transfer to your selected hotel.
DAY 07: Cusco
After breakfast, transfer and assistance on your departure.
End of our services.
