House of travel South and Central America Brochure 2017 | Page 39

The Inca Trail The Incas were famous for having achieved the most outstanding system of communication – 40,000km of well furnished foot roads linking the Andes! The best preserved trail and by far the most famous trek in South America, is the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The 43km trail will see you encounter beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloudforest, subtropical jungle, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels before approaching the final and astonishing destination, Machu Picchu. By trekking the Inca Trail, usually a four day camping trip with porters, it means you can also enter Machu Picchu in the early morning before the daily tourists arrive. Access to this section of the Inca Trail is strictly controlled with only a limited number of trekking permits issued, it is highly recommended to book your trek permit months in advance. Inca Trail - Camping Salkantay Trek - Camping Lares Trek - Lodging 4 days/3 nights 4 days/3 nights 5 days/4 nights This is the original Inca Trail you have heard so much about. Join a small group and hike for four days before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Guides will help with your gear wherever required. The Salkantay Camping Trek is a fantastic alternative to the Inca Trail which can sell out months in advance. It is also known to be the most scenic route, therefore not quite as busy with trekking crowds. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is an amazing cultural immersion, while staying in comfortable lodges along the way. Explore astounding scenery as you take part in many daily activities on offer. Day 1: Cuzco – Wayllabamba Transfer from Cuzco through the Sacred Valley before arriving in Piskacucho, better known as Km82, where your trek will begin. Day 1: Cuzco Depart Cuzco early to the trek starting point at Soraypampa. Enjoy your camp experience at a high altitude of 3500m. Day 1: Cuzco – Pisac Early departure from Cuzco for a visit to the isolated community of Viacha. Later visit the archaeological complex of Pisac. Day 2: Wayllabamba – Paqaymayu Today, trek to the highest point on the Inca Trail. Here you will notice the different micro climates between points. Day 2: Andenes – Lucmabamba Walk along the Salkantay River, appreciating pretty waterfalls and coffee plantations along the way. Day 2: Lares Region Take a road journey into the Lares mountains and pass remote sites. Visit a traditional weaver’s village or take a hike to Huacahuasi. Day 3: Paqaymayu – Winaywayna Visit the Runkurakay archaeological site before descending to Sayacmarka. Day 3: Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes A morning climb is paid off by an excellent view of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Days 3-4: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Learn the Huacahuasi village daily life, then explore Sacred Valley. Arrive in Aguas Calientes. Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Cuzco Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu again before returning to Cuzco by train in the afternoon. Day 5: Machu Picchu Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cuzco by train in the afternoon. Departures: Cuzco / Set departures (Mar-Jan) Departures: Cuzco / Set departures (Mar-Dec) Departures: Cuzco / Set departures (Mar-Dec) Inclusions: 3 nights camping, transport, guide, cook, porters, camping equipment (excludes sleeping bag), all meals during trek, entrance fees, bus and train tickets Price Guide From: $1459 Inclusions: 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel, transport, guide, cook, porters, camping equipment (excludes sleeping bag), all meals during trek, entrance fees, bus and train tickets Price Guide From: $1575 Inclusions: 4 nights lodge accommodation, transport, guide, cook, porters, all meals during trek, entrance fees, bus and train tickets Day 4: Winaywayna – Cuzco Enjoy a majestic view of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of the ruins. Return to Cuzco via Aguas Calientes by bus and train. Price Guide From: $3299 The price guide shown is per adult for twin share, based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date. Sleeping bags can be hired in Cuzco. 35