Inca Trail

Peru conjures up fascinating images: inaccessible Incan citadels, sparkling turquoise mountain lakes, deserts, volcanoes and virgin forests, colorful markets, exuberant celebrations, Baroque churches. Land of the Incas and the Cordilleras. Reality is even more extraordinary...

The Inca Empire: the capital, Cuzco, many ruins and the ambiance of the Sacred Valley, the superb Inca Trail trekking path and the royal road that reaches up to the Machu Picchu citadel.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
• Day 2/  Flight to Cuzco, city sightseeing
• Day 3/  Sacred Valley, salinas de Maras
• Day 4/  Ollantaytambo (Inka ruins), transfer Chilca, first camp
• Day 5/  Camino del Inca: Chilca (9,022 feet) - Wayllabamba (9,678 feet)
• Day 6/  Wayllabamba - Warmiwañusca pass (13,615 feet) - Pacay Mayo (11,680 feet)
• Day 7/  Pacay Mayo - Runcuracay pass (12,795 feet) - Sayaqmarka - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñay Wayna (8,822 feet) 
• Day 8/  Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku (8,399 feet) - Machu Picchu (7,874 feet) - Cuzco
• Day 9/  Flight Cuzco - Lima, depart from Lima.

A preserved wilderness between mountain jungle and Puna grassland (another name for Altiplano), Inca sites connected by a path offering breathtaking views of the snowy peaks, 3 passes at more than 11,800 feet, arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun's door. The most famous trek of the Americas remains an unforgettable experience!

Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
Meeting/assisting at Lima airport.
Transfer to a 4 star hotel located in Miraflores ("chic" suburb of Lima)

Day 2/  Lima - Cuzco (11,155 feet)
Transfer to the airport. Flight Lima-Cuzco (1 hour). Settle in at a 4 star hotel. Beware of altitude sickness: no haste! First, visit and discover this city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Main visited sites at the heart of Cuzco: the Beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the magnificent facades of the cathedral and the church of the Compañía), the streets with foundations of Inca walls (Calle Loreto, Calle Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas neighborhood, the Santo Domingo convent, which houses the famous Temple of the Sun, museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, the regional museum ...) and other colonial buildings ... (depending on the remaining time and the mood of the group!) Dinner in a typical restaurant near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 3/  Sacred Valley - Maras saline  - Urubamba
Transfer to the Sacred Valley. The bus leads us to the top entrance of the Pisac site. Complete inspection of the ruins (vast Inca site extremely well preserved with the most extensive set of land terraces on the entire region) and descent by foot to Pisac village with its small market on the Plaza de Armas (possibility of purchasing crafts).
A short transfer alongside the Chincon (glacial mountain) leads us above the "salt of Maras". While walking, we will discover this ensemble of salt marshes carved in terraces, dating back from Inca times. The trail descends quietly along these land terraces. An hour later, we catch our bus on the banks of the Urubamba. Overnight at the hotel (or lodge) in Urubamba.
3 to 5 H walk.

Day 4/  Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Chilca
Short transfer to Ollantaytambo. Visit the beautiful and picturesque village that has not changed much since the fall of the Inca Empire. Visit of the magnificent Ollantaytambo fortress, which closes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas downstream.  On the upper terrace, the temple is made up of extraordinary stones; some of which have remained in the same condition as when the site was resurrected, even throughout the collapse of the empire. In the early afternoon, last bus transfer through the Urubamba Valley to the town of Chilca. We set up tent on a vast grassy shoulder, not far from the famous railway line that leads to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail
Day 5/  Start trek
From our camp site, we cross a bridge over the Urubamba. For a duration of 3.5-4 hours, we will leisurely follow a trail on the left bank of the river. Beautiful views on the Urubamba Mountain range which throne above the right bank of the Urubamba. Our path crosses a small canyon and then climbs steeply only to get lost in fortress ruins that champion the site of Llactapata. Steep descent to the confluence of the Urubamba river and the Kusichaka Rio. As our backdrop, the Vilcabamba and Salcantay Cordillera. Hiking up along the river until Wayllabamba. Camp slightly upstream from the village.
6 H walk.

Day 6/  Wayllabamba - Warmiwañusca Pass (13,615 feet) - Pacay Mayo (11,680 feet)
The first four hours of this day will be devoted to the climb to Warmiwañusca pass through Llulluchapampa. We will experience changing landscapes between the rainforest at the beginning of the ascent and the arid landscape of the pass. Descent into a steep glen, partly paved. Camp at the bottom of the valley after hiking downhill for about an hour and a half.
5 H 30 at 6 H walk.

Day 7/  Pacay Mayo - Runcuracay pass (12,795 feet) - Sayaqmarka - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñay Wayna (8,822 feet)
A long day full of history, with the added bonus of a series of unique landscapes. First steep climb to the Runcuracay pass, and on our way, a stop at the fortress holding the same name. From this pass, if the visibility is good, you can see the distant mountains of Vilcabamba. The trail continues downhill and then becomes flat until Sayaqmarka (12,238 feet), another fortress whose ruins are testimony to the expertise of their Incan builders. Following the path which is paved almost all of the way, we reach Phuyupatamarka. Two remarkable points: a tunnel, hand cut in the rock and a overhanging view of the Urubamba valley (in the background, the Urubamba Cordillera). At 11,811 feet, on a promontory overlooking the area, the site of Phuyupatamarka surprises by its magnitude. A long descent leads to the magnificent Inca site of Wiñay Wayna and its steep terraces. Camping site.
7 H walk.

Day 8/  Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku (8,399 feet) - Machu Picchu (7,874 feet) - Cuzco
Early morning departure from Wiñay Wayna. The trail is primarily horizontal and then a final steep climb leads to Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun) while overlooking the site of Machu Picchu. Our strategy is to arrive precisely at Inti Punku for the rise of the star of the day (1 H 30 walk). 30 minutes more following a path down and we are at the site keeper's gate. Site Tour (Royal Ward, Astronomical Observatory, temples and prisons, artisan's district, etc.). Then climbing to the Wayna Picchu (8,858 feet) eagle nest. As seen from the bottom, one can hardly imagine a designed pathway which allows an "almost" easy ascent. Back to the Urubamba valley, at kilometer 112 station. Back to Cusco by train (or train + bus), evening arrival. Hotel.

Day 9/  Flight Cusco - Lima.... home
Transfer to the airport, Cusco-Lima flight. Visit downtown Lima, capital of Peru:  the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the very interesting San Francisco monastery (church, cloister, catacombs) and the Plaza San Martín. Then back to the airport to check in for your return flight home.
Note: your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you have to spend one more night in Lima.

We always walk on paths well marked. During the 4 days of trekking, 4 to 7 hour walking stages, maximum altitude reached: 13,615 feet.

Access to the Inca Trail (Day 5 to Day 8) is highly regulated: there is a quota of persons per day which can not be exceeded and no advance reservation is possible. Reservations are made only from the name and passport number of the person who is signing up.
Therefore, we advise you to register as soon as possible, at least months before the date of departure (particularly for departures from June to September). It should be noted that August is often full, in April!

During the Inca Trail trek (Day 5 to Day 8), luggage will be carried by porters and the number of carriers from each group is limited. Because these carriers also transport our group's materials and supplies, we limit the weight of your luggage to 13 pounds per person. You will be issued a bag to hold only those items of yours necessary during the trekking and the rest will be taken care of by our provider. You will reconvene with your luggage when you reach Cuzco on Day 8.

Using ski poles is prohibited on the Inca trail, unless they contain bits of plastic or rubber covering the tip. This prevents the degradation of the Incas pavement.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the porters and the logistic team during the hikes.

The guide
an English-speaking professional Peruvian Mountain World Travel guide, hiking specialist, with excellent cultural knowledge certified for the Inca trail
Local Team
a driver, porters, cooks and helpers (their numbers dependent on our group's size).

- Domestic flights with a local airline company (Lan Peru, Taca....)
- For ground transportation, private air conditioned bus, with professional driver.

4 star hotel in Cuzco (2 nights) and Lima (1 night).
Lodge in Urubamba (1 night).
Camping (4 nights).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.
During treks in the mountains: nights under tents (mountain dome tent, 2 persons per tent), a toilet tent and a "mess" for meals and spending the evenings (tables and folding chairs).

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

When in town:
breakfast and evening meal taken at the restaurant.
During the trek:
lunches are usually in the form of a hearty picnic and or cold cooked meals. The dinners are prepared by the cook. Hearty and varied, they are made from foods purchased on the spot, including the meat in the villages.
Copious snacks for trekking, cereal bars, dried fruits, biscuits, cheese are also purchased locally. In Peru, you can now find a wide assortment of products, some very similar to those found in North America (chocolate bars, cereals, etc....) We will also enjoy other products with more "local color" (eg excellent quinoa bars).
Beverages:
- Mineral water provided for travel and in the restaurants, along with mate (tea or infusion at the end of the meal).
- During the trekking, hot drinks provided with the opportunity to fill up your water bottles in the morning. You should also take tablets to treat the water and you can replenish your water at the sources or mountain brooks. Some evenings, you will also have a chance to taste other typical Peruvian drinks (the famous Pisco sour drink, Peruvian red wine ...)!

When you register, your registration is tentative. It can be confirmed only after we have transmitted the data from your passport to the Peruvian authorities. In return, we will receive a confirmation of your spot on the Inca trail. If you sign up when we have already reached our quota, we will keep you informed and offer you a replacement program.

If you change your passport between the moment when you passed on your data to us and the time of your entry onto the Inca Trail, it is essential that you show a photocopy of your old passport (or the original, if you still have it) at the entrance of the Inca Trail or access will be denied by the authorities.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability. 

• International flights in/out Lima
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Airport taxes (to date $ 45 per person) for domestic and international flights
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Lima:
-      Taca: flights from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco...
-      American Airlines: flights from anywhere in the States through Los Angeles, Miami, New York
-      Delta: flights from anywhere in the States through Atlanta
-      United: in cooperation with Lan, flights from anywhere in the States
Caution: on Day 9 of the trip, your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you will have to spend one more night in Lima.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to Peru for up to 90 days.
For US Citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Peruvian embassy of your country.

LEVEL 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

In Peru, country of Incas and Cordilleras
The Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Vilcanota, Lake Titicaca, the altiplano, the site of Machu Picchu ... All of these sites conjure up fascinating mythical images in the minds of travelers!
With a desert coastal strip, a great wall of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, a chain of high volcanoes and a thick rainforest, Peru has much strength to excite hikers. Beyond these extraordinary landscapes, a trek in Peru is also the chance to meet the Andean civilization: the surprising remains of the Inca Empire, a civilization which flourished until the 16th century; the testimonies of numerous previous civilizations and the cultural richness of the many communities on the altiplano. So follow us on to the Incas' paths, frequented by the Peruvian people and their herds ever since the dawn of time. Soak in the legends of the "sons of Sun's" earth, its markets, its exuberant celebrations, its Andean music... so that the myth turns to reality!

• The most complete range of travel: hikes to cultural expeditions.
• Original routes, even exclusive, thanks to our guide's very good knowledge of the field (more than 20 years of experience) and the knowledge of our suppliers, undisputed experts in their region.
• The best stages and varying, even when addressing the most visited sites
• The quality of accommodation for your comfort
• Unparalleled logistics throughout the trip (high quality and great variety of food and service during treks)
• Comprehensive, high quality security equipment, including a hyperbaric chamber for all trekking and expeditions.
• A team of mountain guides, tour guides and licensed guides to all historic site; all of  whom are highly qualified and licensed.

The seasons are reversed compared to North America. Remember that when it is summer in the United States (July-August), you arrive to in winter in Peru!
- In the Sierra (mountainous), the dry season, from April to October (local winter), is the best time for altitude trekking. The view is unobstructed and the peaks are sunny, but if daytime temperatures only vary by a little, cold reigns at night, especially in June and July. Even though the months of April and May can still see some significant rainfall in the mountains, the weather is usually beautiful in the morning, with a superb view of the sparkling mountains. From April to July, the landscape is green and the alpine pastures covered with flowers.
- The coastal deserts can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time is between November and March, the local summer, because during the winter, Lima and the coastal regions are often drowned in a thick fog.

Average temperatures in main cities (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:

	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June
Lima (coast)	79/66	79/66	79/66	75/63	72/61	66/59
Cusco (10,827f)	66/45	66/45	66/43	66/41	66/37	66/34
	July	August	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lima (coast)	66/57	66/57	66/57	68/59	72/61	75/63
Cusco (10,827f)	66/34	68/36	68/41	70/43	70/43	68/45

Population	28 million of habitants (49 % American Indians, 33 %  Mulatto, and 12 % Creoles)
Surface	496,2222 square miles
Capital	Lima (almost 8 millions habitant)
Main Cities	Arequipa, Cuzco, Huaraz
Peaks	Huascaran (22,205 feet), Ausangate (20,945 feet)
Maqin lake	Titicaca Lake
Official Language	Espagnol and Quechua
Religion	Catholicism (almost 90 % of the population)
Political Status	Constitutional Republic
Time Shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc.html

The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN)
Exchange rate in 2007 (standard price): 1 € = 4 PEN approximately
What currencies to bring and where to exchange?
Take dollars which can easily be exchanged in the major cities. Credit card use is widespread and you can find ATMs in major cities (Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno ...). You can withdraw either SOL or US dollars (the dollar is accepted for all big transactions).

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US citizens, please check with: US department of State

Since its inception, Mountain World Travel has a special relationship with Peru! Jef Tripard, a founding member, biologist and mountain guide demonstrates a longstanding passion for those Peruvian sites that are not very well frequented.  It was in 1984 that the beautiful adventure actually began. Philippe Allibert conducts a first time French mountaineering expedition in Peru to climb Ausangate, which will later become a summit fetish for our team. A native from the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, Cirilo-then aged 15-and his father Francisco-great friends of Herman Buhl, conqueror of the Nanga Parbat Mountain in Pakistan- were the muleteers accompanying the expedition. Since that day, our teams have been working together and a true friendship has been established. Many bonds of affection also exist between the Mountain World Travel guides and this Peruvian family.
From the outset, Cirilo and Francisco have been providing service on our trekking trips. And unlike many Peruvians who generally walk by means of utility, they passionately love the mountains! With an extraordinary sense for guest service, they along with Mountain World Travel, created a local agency in Peru.  Today, they work exclusively for us. Cirilo is undoubtedly one of the greatest connoisseurs of the southern Peruvian Cordilleras. He conveys his enthusiasm and knowledge to his guiding team, for which the Inca world has no secrets.

We involve ourselves in a responsible way in Peru on several levels:
- The funding of learning English for the Peruvian team in order to promote friendly exchanges with the trekkers and expand their professional opportunities.
- welcoming Bolivian guides on trekking trips in Peru to enable discussion with their colleagues regarding working methods and their different professional experiences.
- Improving our staff's working conditions (guides, porters, cooks and muleteers), through 650 pounds of hiking equipment donations (sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, fleece, shoes) collected in 2005 through your generosity, which of our guides donation and the mountaineering equipment companies of Millet and Salomon.

The official languages in Peru are Spanish (spoken by a large majority of the population) and Quechua (the vernacular of the Inca Empire, spoken by the American Indians).  By learning a few key words, you can earn the respect of your audience and facilitate your dealings with the Peruvian people. Do not hesitate to use the following terms in Spanish:

Hello, how are you? : ¿Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thanks: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta Luego
Yes: sí-no: no
Excuse: perdoneme
No problem! : No se worries

You can ask your guide how to pronounce them; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

The Peruvian people, made up of Indians, Mulattos and Creoles, is a people with old traditions. The inhabitants of the Peruvian highlands are sometimes rather reserved initially; it is advisable to observe some discretion.

What are the risks of traveling to Peru?
Peru suffers from a bad reputation: it is said that robbery (against tourists in particular) is commonplace. This idea is excessive. The situation has improved more in recent years. The best way to avoid being robbed is not to show too much of your jewelry and other technological devices, not to leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms and to always be vigilant in frequented places (markets, tourist sites and so on.)

Advice from Yves Pelissier, head of travel in the Americas:
In Cuzco as in Arequipa, relatively safe cities, feel free to wander through the narrow streets which are full of treasures: Inca foundations, colonial churches not cited in the guides, beautiful patios and gardens which you can catch a glimpse of through a propped open door.

Are electrical plugs compatible with American equipment in Peru?
There are two types of plugs in Peru: ones similar to those in Europe and ones like those in the US (two vertical slits). In general, the voltage is 220 volts.

Can I bring home all of the souvenirs that I want?
Crafts in Peru are rich and abundant: weaving, wools, musical instruments, jewelry, minerals, and so on. Buy items that you like as soon as you see them because each place has its specific craft and you are not guaranteed to find the same object even if you return later! On the other hand, do not rush on purchases in Lima because this is not the place where one finds the most beautiful souvenirs. We also remind you that it is forbidden to acquire the archeological pieces from the Peruvian cultural heritage (such as pre-Columbian artifacts).  Even if you think you have made an acquisition in due and proper form, you do not have the guarantee of being able to export your purchase without the consent of the National Institute of Culture; and that only comes at the end of another very long process!

What should I put in my hand bag and carry on luggage?
While preparing your luggage, put anything that resembles a "cutting" item (scissors, file, crampons.....) or anything that could be regarded as potentially harmful to the aircraft security in your check on luggage. Note that lighters are prohibited in carry-on baggage and in check on luggage. Luggage should not be locked (no padlocks or combination closures, only certain approved locks are authorized) due to the fact that their contents could be searched by security personnel at any time.

Peru presents three types of distinct landscapes.  One being the Amazon rainforest (selva) which occupies more than 60% of the territory. The second being the coastal desert strips along the Pacific, representing only 10% of the territory but "housing"  half of the population, in addition to Lima, the capital.  And the third being the mountainous territory, the Sierra, made up of several high Cordilleras, which include five peaks over 19,700 feet: Cordillera Blanca, Huayhuash, Vilcanota, and the Cordillera Vilcabamba, south west of Peru.
Do not leave your waste behind you: bring waste to the next hotel or camp (the local team sets up a trash collection each night). To do this, always think of bringing with you a small bag for your personal waste. Smokers: please, provide a pocket ashtray for your cigarette butts. In addition, bring the most polluting waste back to the USA (batteries, etc...)  due to the fact that there is no way of eliminating these on the spot. Prefer to treat the water using tablets (type Micropur) rather than buying many plastic bottles of water that will only increase the amount of waste.
In the camps, use the toilet. In nature, if there is no danger of fire burn your toilet paper after use. Crossing cultivated land, picking crops (fruits, corn, etc.), frightening  a farmer's cattle...all of these actions can potentially cause great loss; including the risk of him not being able to feed his family during the difficult months.  Respect their assets!
On the hills, animals that you encounter most often will come from the camel family: the llama, alpacas, guanacos and vicuna. The first two are domestic, the last two only are wild. Sometimes, by chance, you may come across viscaches, small agile long-tailed rodents living in the rocky terrain at higher elevation and some raptors, including the majestic condor. Traveling through the coastal desert along the Pacific, we may see penguins, seals, pink flamingos, pelicans, terns, endemic ducks and many other kinds of birds. We are counting on you not to try to approach these animals too closely. The flora is reduced at higher elevations; therefore it needs to be respected: grasses, mosses and lichens, as well as some succulent plants (cacti)). The most common tree in the Andean valleys is the eucalyptus (introduced in South America after the arrival of the conquistadors). In some Cordilleras, up to over 14,700 feet, you can see quenuas (polylepis), trees with bark in sheets.