Peru Bolivia Inca Trail

Arrive LIMA

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to Hotel. Dinner (on foot) at Café de La Paz or in the restaurant (set menu) Casa Andina Standard.

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

150 m

Fly from Lima to Cusco (3390 m)/ Secret Valley (2900m)

After an early breakfast, take a flight to Cuscothere is a scheduled tour of the Sacred Valley, formed by the Vilcanota or Urubamba River. It begins in Pisac market, where artisans sell a wide variety of handicrafts. After lunch, the tour continues to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the locals maintain the original construction of the Inca citadel.

Return to Cusco and to the hotel. Lunch is includedCasa Andina Standard Catedral

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3390 m

Free Day

Easy relax day, you can rest of do other activities like Zipline and side walks or enjoy the afternoon.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3390 m

Piscacucho – Huayllabamba ( 3000m) (The Easy day) - Trek Day

You will be picked up from your hotel at scheduled time, and transferred in our car to KM 82. The route will go through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately one hour and a half, we will cross the little town of Ollantaytambo, where we will make a little stop to take some pictures of this fortress and have a little rest. We will continue our trip following a rural road that goes parallel to the railroad, which will lead us to the KM 82, where we will unpack and get prepared to the walking with our excursion team (cookers, assistants and porters).

At this point, the passengers will have to show their passports to the security personnel of the Sanctuary and once these has been reviewed they will be able to cross a bridge that will take you to the other side of the river where they will start climbing in a parallel line to the Urubamba River, which goes from north to west across the Sacred Valley. In this first section of the Inca Trail, we will visit the Community of Miskay (2800 meters), where we will stop for meeting the natives and try the popular drink known as “chicha”, which is offered by the ladies of this place. Later we will start climbing through a little tableland where we will experience an amazing Andean landscape, and see in the base of the mountains a beautiful Inca building known as “Patallacta”, located at 2750 meters over sea level.

At this point we will stop and our local guide will provide us information regarding this interesting Inca legacy. After that, we will continue walking for two hours along the Cusichaca River, going upwards until reaching a beautiful spot where we will stop for lunch and take a little break.

Shortly after that, we will continue walking through a zone full of vegetation, where is highly probable seeing the beautiful giant hummingbird native from this region. After a two hours walk we will arrive to our first camping, located in the zone of Wayllabamba at 3000 meters height. You will be able to enjoy a marvelous Andean landscape and the majesty of Veronica Mountain, 5832 meters over sea level.

Camps will be assigned depending on the availability of entrants to the Inca Trail, seasons. (L, D)

NOTE: It is normal if the first day feels hot during the dry season (May to September). We strongly recommend bringing light and fresh clothing, as well as a good sunscreen and a hat to protect your face.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3000 m

Time

5 to 6 hours.

Distance

12 KM

Huayllabamba – Pakaymayu (The challenge day. 4200 m climb) Trek Day

In this second day of the Inca Trail we will wake up early, around 06:00 am. This will be necessary in order to get ready and have breakfast before starting the excursion. Later we will start walking through a narrow road covered by plants, across a little bridge that will take us towards a cloudy forest of a unique beauty. In this section of the trip you should climb many stairs, for which we recommend taking all the time that is needed and stopping for a break when necessary. Following the route, we will arrive to the Llulluchapampa sector, where we will make a quick stop just to rest and get prepared to climb to the highest point of our walk, the famous pass Warmyhuañuska, located at 4200 meters above the sea level. These sectors include about 2 kilometers of distance and are a bit steep, for which we will recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever needed. In this part of the trip we will face the most difficult part of the walk, as we will be over 4200 meter height; however this part is also known as one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Once we have reached the top of the mountain, we will be granted with a spectacular view of the Andean mountains. For this special day, we recommend bringing some chocolates, lemon candy, a lot of water and even some coca leaves. In the top we will be able to take the classic pictures of the Inca Trail. After that we will descend by a winding valley until the point where we will stop and have lunch. During this last part it is possible to watch diverse type of wild birds.

At last we will arrive to the camp of Pacaymayo (3600 meters above sea level)

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

4200 m

Time

6 - 7 hours

Distance

13 KM

Pakaymayu – Winay Wauna (The unforgettable day) Trek Day

A lot of visitors feel that this is one of the longest days of the excursion, but at the same time, one of the most beautiful due to the presence of marvelous Inca buildings along the road. This day we will get up at 06:00 hours. After a tasty breakfast we will start our walk climbing through a steep road. Soon we will arrive to Runkurakay ruins, a beautiful Inca oval building which is believed to be as a Inca watchtower. After hearing the historical explanation we will continue until Runkurakay pass, located at 3900 meters above sea level. During this trip we will find a little lake where sometimes you can watch Andean goose and other native bird species.

After the pass, we will descend to a beautiful valley full of plants; here we will visit Sayacmarka ruins, located 3624 meters height. This is an interesting Inca construction, built over a steep slope, surrounded by marvelous mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending to the cloudy forest, arriving to the Puyupatamarka ruins, composed of impressive fountains and water channels that are spectacular works of hydraulic engineering made by the Incas. At this stop we will have a good time, after which we will continue down to reach one of the most beautiful Inca buildings of the place: the ruins of Wiñaywayna. These are without any doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins after Machu Picchu. Wiñaywayna means \"forever young\" and it is said that acquired said name due to the abundance of an orchid that bears the same name. After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna we head to our last camp, which is located a few meters away.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3900 m

Time

7 to 8 hours

Distance

16 KM

WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU 2700 mt Height (The special day) Trek Day – Later CUSCO

Breakfast. On the last day we will wake up very early, at 04:00 hrs. After breakfast, we will quickly go and pass the control gate to enter the path that leads directly to Machu Picchu. It is advisable to bring a good flashlight, because this time it is normally dark here. After walking for about one hour and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punku or Sun Gate, a magnificent point from where you can see the city of Machu Picchu. At 

this point we can relax for a few minutes, take pictures of the group, and finally go down to reach the recognized as one of the seventh wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.

It was long thought that Machu Picchu was only part of a legend, until in 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it only after many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430 meters above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest with an extraordinary location. It was without any doubt one of the most amazing urban creation in Inca times. Its massive walls, terraces and ramps seem to be continually cut in the rocky cliffs. Our guide will take you on a tour of the most impressive of this beautiful Inca city. This will take us about 2 hours, after which we have free time to explore each city on our own taste and preference. Visit also Huayna Picchu (second shift), 10 a.m.)   Lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.Then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, to take the train that will take us back to the city. At the time indicated on the ticket of train our staff will be waiting at the station, from where we will transfer to your hotel. Dinner at local restaurant

Maximum altitude: 2700 M

Minimum Altitude: 2400 M

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

2700 m

Time

3 to 4 hours

Distance

6 KM

CUSCO/VINICUNCA 4200 mt height, Rainbow mountain 5000mt Trek Day

Enjoy the Rainbow Mountain (VINICUNCA) hiking through some isolated communities, in which you may interact with the local people who are still keeping the living culture. You will seesnowcapped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and small lakes, all set within an incredibly colourful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife including condors, vicunas, chinchillas). The colourful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest thing you will see in Peru.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5.30 am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek. We set out on our drive through the South Valley, ending up at the trailhead at Chillihuani Cusipata (4,200 m / 13,900 ft)is 3 hours. Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, valleys and Rocky Mountains.

Once we reach the train-head, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by the herds of alpacas and llamas. Continually you’ll have views of the Ausangate Mountain as we hike through different villages and interact with the local people who still are speaking the Inca language (quechua) and using the traditional clothes.

After a total hike of 3 hours, we finally reach our destination….the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (5,000m /16,500ft). After being awed by their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the environment. We will spend approximately 1 hour at the top.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 2 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us. We will embark on the 2.30 hours’ drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving at 6. P.m.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

5000 m

CUSCO /LA PAZ [3640 m] / UYUNI [3700m]

07:30: Departure for La Paz, fly to Cusco to La Paz airport and take a connecting flight to Uyuni. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Luna Salada.

Meal

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

3700 m

Explore Uyuni

Visit to the train cemetery (old steam locomotives that were used to transport minerals), we will then continue the journey to the village of Colchani, where the processing of salt can be observed (drying, grinding and packaging of salt) you will also have the opportunity purchase handicrafts made of salt. Then we will be able to see the Salt mounds (first stage in processing the salt, the drying), Eyes of water (groundwater that flow to the surface) and the Salt Museum built from salt. Lunch in the center of the salt flats. We continue to Incahuasi Island (a rocky island in the middle of the salt flat where we can observe giant cactuses, some of them are more than 100 years old, from the top you can see the salt flats in its entirety). Dinner and overnight. Hotel Luna Salada.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3663 m

Free Day at Uyuni

UYUNI Relaxing day in Uyunni. Hotel Luna Salada.

Meal

B, L, D

Altitude

3663 m

UYUNI / LA PAZ and drive to Puno-3820 m]

Departure from Uyuni and then take a drive from La Paz for Puni vía Desaguadero. Brief stop at Tiahuanaco, arrive Puno later and check into Hotel. Casa Andina Standard.

Meal

Breakfast

Altitude

3820 m

PUNO- UROS-TAQUILE ISLAND [3950 m] [2 Hrs] Trek day

Full day tour of Uros & Taquile islands including lunch. Return to the hotel. Casa Andina Standard Dinner and overnight

Meal

Breakfast

Altitude

3950 m

PUNO/COLCA [3250 m]

06:00 Early in the morning, we will drive to Colca, we will arrive at its most important town, Chivay where we will also have lunch. In the afternoon, you will have some activities nearby and enjoy the afternoon at the hot spring. Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast, Lunch & dinner at the hotel(Colca Lodge)

Meal

B, L, D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

3250 m

Observe \"Cruz Del Condor\" [3.287 m]

Morning after breakfast the observation point “Cruz Del Condor”. Afternoon rest in Colca.(Colca Lodge)

Meal

B, L, D

Accomodation

Lodge

Altitude

3287 m

COLCA/ AREQUIPA [2350m]

08:00: Departure for Arequipa. later to the the observation point “Cruz Del Condor”. While this is not the deepest point of the Canyon, you can appreciate the grandeur of the canyon and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world,

On our way, we will pass Yura, Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas (where we’ll find the Vicuna National Reserve of Aguada Blanca), Vizcachani and Tojra (all the year we can see here a variety of migratory birds resting in so called “bofedales”, a sort of peat bog). Entering the Colca canyon,

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel San Agustin Posada del Monasterio

Meal

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

2350 m

AREQUIPA/LIMA/ LONDON

Pick up at your hotel and fly to Lima and take a connecting flight home.

Altitude

150 m