| Cost From: | $4595 |
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| Length: | 10 days |
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| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
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WT certainly set the bar high. It was the trip of a lifetime!Suzanne Jones
One of the world’s classic treks is the five-day hike along the Inca Trail to magnificent Machu Picchu, the glorious city of stone perched on a promontory high above the Urubamba River. This fabled lost city, with its evocative stone staircases, altars, temples, and fountains, is the most intriguing of all the Inca sites, and its exquisite setting makes it one of the most spectacular. We’ve honed this journey to perfection with wonderful campsites, superb camp amenities, and a team of Trip Leaders and trail guides who have a passion for creating an unforgettable journey on this celebrated route. If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the Inca Trail, this is the way to do it! In addition to our peerless camping experience, our hotels are the very best, including the landmark 5-star Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the ruins. Note: Sign up early—trail permits sell out far in advance!
$4595 (10-15 members)
$4995 (4-9 members)
Single supplement: $1485
Internal airfare: $350 (subject to change)
Arequipa/Colca Canyon Exension from: $795
Reserva Amazonica Extension from: $550
Sipan/Chan Chan Extension from: $850
Lake Titicaca Extension from: $795
Prices are for 2010 dates
May 6-15, 2010 Peter Boehm
May 21-30, 2010 Peter Boehm
Jun 25-Jul 4, 2010 Andrea Heckman
Jul 19-28, 2010 Holly Wissler
Aug 5-14, 2010 Peter Frost
Sep 2-11, 2010
Sep 17-26, 2010
Oct 5-14, 2010
Oct 16-25, 2010
Nov 20-29, 2010
Dec 27, 2010-Jan 5, 2011
*IMPORTANT NOTE: New Peruvian park regulations strictly limit the number of hiking permits issued for the Inca Trail, and all permits are on a first-come first-serve basis! PLEASE PLAN AHEAD if you want to trek the Inca Trail, because trail permits are often reserved many months in advance (especially for summer high-season departures).
Reading list, click here.
In the Incas’ imperial city, we enjoy an introduction to the ceremonial heart of the Inca Empire as we explore the mighty fortress of Saqsayhuaman and other Inca sites. The following day we head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a mountain-ringed valley of exquisite beauty. After we explore colonial Pisac and its market filled with artisan wares, we hike to the majestic Inca fortress overlooking the town. This towering ruin has some of the finest examples of Inca terracing in existence, still in use by local residents.
After we explore the classic village of Ollantaytambo and the stunning Inca ruin above it, we head to our camp dramatically located below Mt. Veronica (20,275'). The next morning, we set off on the royal trail to Machu Picchu, following in the footsteps of the Incas. Crossing two high passes, we explore major Inca ruins accessible only on foot and enjoy spectacular campsites with views of the steep green peaks of the Vilcabamba. We pause at Runkuracay, a circular ruin with massive walls and a magnificent view of the Pacamayo Valley, Sayacmarca, a maze-like ruin perched atop a sheer cliff at about 11,600 feet, and Puyupatamarca, with its ingenious stone baths and incredible views of the Urubamba Valley. Our fantastic camp just above this ruin has panoramas of the snow-capped giants of Huamantay (19,239') and Salcantay (20,574'). Throughout our Inca Trail experience, Wilderness Travel’s famous full-service camping amenities keep us comfortable.
We make our long-anticipated hike up to Intipunku, Gate of the Sun, then hike down into the fairytale ruins of Machu Picchu. We have a day to explore this legendary site, and our overnight at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, set right at the ruins, allows us easy access. We return to Cusco the next afternoon.
After a day to explore Cusco’s cultural and artistic riches, we fly to Lima and depart on evening flights, or join one of our Peru extensions.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure
If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following options:
Day 1 (1 night),
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights),
Cusco, Peru
A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the Monasterio is an Orient Express property and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. ...
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Day 2 (1 night), Ollantaytambo, Peru
A cozy hotel with a countryside feeling, the Pakaritampu is just a few blocks from the main plaza in the traditional village of Ollantaytambo. The ...
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Days 3 to 6 (4 nights), Inca Trail, Peru
We make hiking and camping in the Andes as comfortable as it can get! On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a light daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, jacket, etc.). Our camp amenities include a dining tent with a dining table, chairs with backs, camp meals prepared by our highly trained staff, and toilet tents with chemical toilets. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing beautiful picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail. Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents equipped with sleeping pads. Most trip members bring their own sleeping bag, but we can arrange for you to rent one in Cusco if you prefer.
Day 7 (1 night), Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru
You can’t get closer to the Machu Picchu ruins than this! With only 31 rooms, this Orient Express property is famously set right at the gate ...
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Day 10, Lima, Peru
Most trip members only use this stylish hotel as a day room before they depart on a late evening flight for home. Nonetheless, they appreciate ...
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If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
