DAY 1 LIMA
Pick up upon arrival at Lima’s airport and transportation to the
hotel. Overnight (No meals)
DAY 2 PUERTO MALDONADO
Early breakfast and pick up to go to the airport for your flight
to Puerto Maldonado (airfare not included).
Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the
Madre de Dios River. A 25 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios
River by motor canoe brings you to the riverside trailhead to
Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the trail takes you on a 2-miles
(3,2-kilometers) walk through secondary forest, until we reach
a small canal where we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards
(201 meters) through a flooded forest of 100-foot (30-meters)
tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface
of the lake, we transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled
across half the lake to the lodge.
After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat,
we will learn about the history of the lodge and the philosophy
of its founders. Then we once again board the catamaran and set
off to explore the entire west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded
palm forest we drift to the sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied
Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. This macaw
species is found locally in parts of the Amazon, always living
in flooded palm forests such as the beautiful palm stand at Sandoval
Lake. At 500-800 birds, this flock of macaws at Sandoval Lake
is currently the largest reported in the world for this highly-specialized
macaw.
As night falls we will look for the large and extremely rare
Black Caimans. If it is a clear starlit night, we will also be
able to float in the middle of the lake to marvel at the brilliance
of the sky and listen to the sounds of the forest.
We return to the lodge for a short video or slide presentation
and dinner. At any point, you could step out from the bar to admire
the wide variety of nocturnal moths, beetles and praying mantis
attracted to our black light in the lodge clearing.
For those with lots of energy, our guide will take us on a short
night-walk into the forest behind the lodge. (B, L,D).
DAY 3 SANDOVAL LAKE
A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable us to be on the lake for sunrise
and a hopeful encounter with the family of Giant Otters who frequent
the lake and are most active at this time of day. Sandoval Lake
offers abundant wildlife including over 40 species of birds resident
to its lake margins, most of the fish-eating water birds around
the lake actively fish in the early morning as well, and this
outing should provide excellent views, of the prehistoric- looking
Hoatzins, These are easy to observe and also photograph from the
paddled canoes or catamarans.
After returning for a late breakfast we set off into the cool
under story of the tall virgin forest near the lake to see some
towering wild Brazil Nut trees and a demonstration of how our
hosts collect, open and commercialize this important natural product.
After lunch and an hour or so to relax we once again board the
catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake, where we might
see one or more of the five species of monkeys who live in the
forest near the lake, such as the Brown Capuchin Monkey and Squirrel
Monkey.
Before dinner we will again enjoy an informative natural history
video or slide presentation. We will leave after dinner to try
and spot some Black Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night
walk through the primary forest. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 RAINFOREST
After a dawn breakfast, we will cross the lake by catamaran and
take a short walk into the interior of the Mauritia palm forest
to stand beneath and closely view the impressive morning congregations,
this place has a very interesting concentration of parrots, parakeets
and large and small macaws that can be observed using dead Mauritia
palm trees, some of them are resident nesters (Yellow headed Parrot,
Mealy Parrot, Blue headed Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, blue and Yellow
Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Dusky headed
Parakeet, Red bellied Macaw, Cobalt winged Parakeet, Tui Parakeet).
Returning from the macaw show we will cross the lake to explore
a primary forest trail and admire the impressive ancient rainforest
trees and lianas with our knowledgeable resident naturalist guide.
As we walk, the forest will be brought to life as your guide explains
the ecology of the rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna.
We return for lunch, and then there is an optional rest for those
who would like to escape the early afternoon heat. For those still
full of energy, there is an option to independently explore some
of the forest trails using our trail map. You might stroll through
our medicinal plant garden or watch hummingbirds visiting the
nectar feeders, or the tanagers visiting our fruit feeders.
In the cooler late afternoon we will once again board the catamaran
to explore the eastern end of the lake, and hopefully experience
a spectacular sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge
for dinner. For some people, an alternative afternoon activity
would be to relax on benches inside the forest perched above a
clear running stream in which a variety of bathing hummingbirds
and forest birds visit.
After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman
on the lake, or to go on a short night hike through the forest.
(B,L,D)
DAY 5 PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO
After early breakfast we leave near dawn and we take a final,
shorter paddle around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse
the Giant Otters before returning by motor canoe for the 35 minutes
return trip to the Puerto Maldonado Airport, taking advantage
of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From
here you fly to Cusco (airfare not included). Upon arrival to
Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where
you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height,
will have the day to rest.
Pick up and according time to go a Dinner Show in a tourist Restaurant
then overnight (B, D).
DAY 6 CUSCO CITY TOUR
Breakfast, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest
you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded;
in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the
archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the
Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and
in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers
like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay,
tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order
you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the
area, then overnight. (B)
INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS
Important Note: We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using
the names & passport numbers that you send us with your trek
booking application. You must bring these same passports with
you to Cusco and take them on the Inca Trail. If the name or number
in your passport is different from the name and number on the
trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to
start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund. If you
plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and
actually starting the trek you will must bring the 2 passports
(old and new). If you make a trek booking at the student price
you must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay
the trek deposit. If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek
the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek.
You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference
in price!!!!!
DAY 7 PISCACUCHO (Km.82)–HUAYLLABAMBA (The easy day)
A spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of
the Incas takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu
railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set
out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the
Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming
terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the
Cusichaca side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca
valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail,
where we camp.(L, D).
(Walking distance approximately 12 km)
DAY 8 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU (The challenge day)
We climb the steep-sided Llullucha valley past a rushing stream
and through enchanted native polylepis woodland. Crossing the
rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna,
the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. The trail traverses
an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the
first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft).
Here we encounter spectacular views of the trail ahead to the
second pass, and look back to the sweeping snow peaks and valleys
of the Huayanay massif.
The trail to the floor of the forested Pacaymayo valley, where
we make camp.(B, L, D)
( Walking distance approximately 9 km).
DAY 9 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA (The unforgettable
day)
We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca
site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass, the landscape
opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo
range. We descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town),
an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched
precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The
Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving
stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest
through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns.
At the third pass pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms
overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level
Town).
Pausing to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains
and stairways that spilling down the mountainside here, we begin
a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An
Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally
to our camp by the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young),
the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. (B, L,
D)
(Walking distance approximately 14 km)
DAY 10 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU (The special day)
An early morning hike takes us across a steep mountainside through
lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation.
Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate)
and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human
artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing
the magical city of Machu Picchu.
We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past
outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu,
where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the
highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s
multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the early afternoon
a bus takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where we
board our return train to Cusco. Upon arrival transfer to the
selected accommodation and overnight (B)
(Walking distance approximately 7 km)
DAY 11 TRANSFER OUT
You will be picked up from the hotel after breakfast to take the
bus service to the airport (B).
INCA TRAIL INFORMATION *
OUR SERVICE INCLUDED
*Transfer by bus to km.82 (trail head)
*Entrance Fee, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
*A large tent, for each 2 persons.
*Mattress, one per person.
*Kitchen tent.
*Dining tent.
*Enough tables and chairs.
*English speaking professional tour guide (over 8 members, 2 guides).
*An expert cook.
*Porters (to carry tent, food, cooking equipment and your personal
staff max. 6 kls per person)
*Train Ticket (Backpacker).
*Full meals during the trek.
*Daily snack bag.
*Daily afternoon tea service.
*Daily wake up tea, and hot water for washing.
*Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
*Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
*Transfer train station / hotel
*Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
NO INCLUDED:
*Breakfast first day (you can order an early breakfast at your
hotel)
*Lunch last day
*Hot springs pool visit (on your own).
*Tips to the crew (guides, cooks and porters).
*Sleeping bag
WE SUGGEST YOU TO:
- Use boots during treks and sneakers during long walks.
- Drinking lots of liquids on long excursions, especially during
the Inka Trail
- Always taking an umbrella or rainwear.
YOU SHOULD BRING
-Personal sleeping bag
-Warm Jacket or Sweater
-RainGear (from nov to april)
-T-shirt , short, long pants.
-Back pack, trekking shoes, sandals
-Sun Hat , wool hat , sun glasses
-Water bottle, flash light, hat
-Personal clothing for trek
-Insect repellent – Suncream
-Personal medication
-Water Purification Tablets.
-Towels
-Toilet paper,
-Extra US$50 changed in soles for any emergency and for tipping
the porters,
use the hot shower on day 3 - 2 soles and for lunch on day 4
KILOMETERS OF WALKING DAY BY DAY
Day 01 - 12 Km (Km-82 to Huayllabamba) Cusco (3400) – Chillca
(2720) – Huayllabamba (2950)
Day 02 - 12 Km (Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo) Huayllabamba( 2950)
– Pakaymayu (3600)
Day 03 - 16 Km (Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna) Pakaymayo (3600)
– Wiñaywayna (2700)
Day 04 - 07 Km (Wiñayhuaina to Machu Picchu) Wiñayhuayna
(2700) – Machu Pichu (2400) – Cusco (3400)
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STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your
scan copy ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your
other information.
Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount.
When booking a trek: The government has strictly limited the
number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2009 (permits
are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We
recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible. In
2008 the trek permits for some dates sold out more than 4 months
in advance!! However don't make a booking until you have all the
group details (names, passport numbers, ages etc) and you are
sure about your trek departure date since "these details
cannot be changed after we have bought your trek permit"
* Participants need to be in good physical health and condition
it is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten
hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inka Trail. The
trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly
before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inka Trail adventure, we advise
passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety
and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition,
we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka
Trail Expedition.
Take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, You can leave
the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels
and hostals has an storage rooms to keep it until your return)
PARK REGULATIONS
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites
than those indicate The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu
Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares. Every visitor
must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging
trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing
plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the
archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used).
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Trek Options:
1. Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal
items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. The services of a third
of a porter (maximum 7kg or 14lb per person) can be hired for
US$125. If you hire the services of a third of a porter (you will
need to supply the small padlock). However, even with this service
you will still need to take a daypack to carry your essential
items such as rain poncho, warm fleece, camera and water bottle.
Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum
number of porters that we can use in each group has now been capped.
This is why we have had to limit the maximum amount of personal
equipment that you can give to a porter to carry for you to 7kg
or 14lb per person. (The maximum amount that each porter can carry
on the Inca Trail has also been limited to 18kg or 40lb per porter).
Approximately 30% of our clients hire the services of an extra
third porter.
2. We can also provide vegetarian meals or cater for special
diets at no extra cost but we need to know when you make the trek
reservation.
3. You can hire sleeping bags in our office. All sleeping bags
are synthetic (easy to wash). They are washed after every use
and are guaranteed to be clean.
Cost: US$35 per person for the 4 day/3 night trek. Weight 2.5
kg and are rated to 12 degrees below freezing (nice and warm even
during the coldest of nights experienced on the Inca Trail).
END OF SERVICES |
