High Trail of the Incas
For keen trekkers this is the most impressive route to Machu Picchu, offering an extended route of the classic Inca Trail offering superlative views of glaciers and snow capped peaks.
HEART OF THE INCA EMPIRE
From Lima we fly to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital on the eastern flank of the main Andean range. We'll visit the Inca Temple of Sacsayhuaman, and there's also time for a day's whitewater rafting.
THE HIGH ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU
We commence this extended route past Salkantay (6271m), one of the world's most beautiful mountains, to eventually join the paved Inca trail leading to Machu Picchu. At Sayllapata we expect to see humming birds, flowering shrubs and a few remote farms. As we climb up to the first high pass (5000m) we'll trek beneath the southern flank of the mighty Salkantay peak and its awe inspiring glaciers. We join the Classic Inca Trail and descend the staircase to the Gate of the Sun to finally feast our eyes on Machu Picchu.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-6205-P) |
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Flights ( London - Lima - London ) |
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Accomodation ( Hotel/Hostel/Camping ) |
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5 breakfasts |
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6 Lunches |
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5 Dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Payment 230 USD |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Among the many highlights on this tour, we particularly mention:
CUSCO
Guided walking tour including Coricancha and the twelve Angled Stone.
CUSCO Guided tour to Inca site of Saqsaywaman.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
7-day extended trek, visit old Inca ruins en route and the ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu.
DAY 1. SUNDAY. JOIN TOUR LIMA
Arrive Lima and check into hotel.
DAY 2. FLY CUSCO; VISIT SAQSAYWAMAN
We fly across the snow capped Andes to Cusco. The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones – enormous blocks of grey granite fitted together with the precision of a jeweller.
The interlocking stones, assembled so carefully that a knife blade cannot be forced between the multi-sided joints, were highly functional as well as beautiful – they are earthquake-proof! During our stay, we plan a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca and Colonial monuments, such as the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls.
We will visit Cusco’s temple citadel, Saqsaywaman which broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire. 20,000 conscripted workers toiled for 90 years to finish it.
DAYS 3 & 4. IN CUSCO
We have two full days to see more of this fascinating mountain city and environs. There are plenty of things to do in Cusco. A favourite is to go white-water rafting (grade 2-3) on the Urubamba River. No previous experience is necessary and all safety equipment is provided (optional). There may also be time to visit the market at Pisac (optional). This is your chance to bargain for some exotic craftwork or simply enjoy the colourful spectacle.
DAYS 5 to 10. INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. It runs across the ‘Machu Picchu Archaeological Park’, part of it over the ancient Inca highway which connected Cusco with Machu Picchu. To the east runs the Kusichaca river; to the north the Urubamba; and to the south lies the Cordillera.
The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970 by an expedition led by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Angles. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored.
We take a bus to Mollepata and continue by truck to the start of the trek. After lunch we hike to Soraypampa (3800m). We trek to Inca Chiriasca, the highest point on the trail today at 5017m. After crossing the pass we have lunch. We camp at Sisaypampa (4250m).
We have a simple day’s descent today to Paucarkancha seeing incredible landscape and ruins en route. From here we follow the course of the Kusichaca river and the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3750m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night.
Today we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3993m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. Sayaqmarka ruins are on a rocky promontory.
They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Sayaqmarka was walled-in, and has an elliptical fortified tower and other interesting constructions. Our trail goes through high jungle with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Phuyupatamarka ruins (3650m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail.
We descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2650m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti-Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators.
We walk down through the site and catch a local bus down the Hiram Bingham road to the small settlement of Aguas Calientes. Tonight we recommend a dip in the nearby thermal springs to ease aching limbs (optional).
DAY 11. AT MACHU PICCHU; TO CUSCO
Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Trek permitting, there may be time to climb Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu and admire the site from a different perspective. We return to Cusco in the afternoon by train and bus.
DAY 12. FLY TO LIMA
A morning transfer for our flight back to Lima. There is time for some last minute shopping, or you may wish to explore the city centre.
DAY 13. FRIDAY. TOUR ENDS LIMA |
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Accommodation
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6 Nights Hotel
5 Nights Camping
1 Night Hostel |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
