Lost City of the Incas

Day 1:

Arrive in Cusco Peru (elev. 10,000’) transfer to the hotel. After you settle in, relax at the hotel or take a tour of the ruins around the city. Before dinner we will have a welcome briefing and gear check to make sure everyone is prepared for our adventure. That evening we will have a guided walk through Cusco on the way to dinner and enjoy the evening lights and energy of this amazing city.

Day 2:

Sacred Valley Tour: Today we will load our tour bus and head out for the day. Our local tour guide will tell us about the sacred valley along the way. We will spend the day exploring the towns, markets and ruins scattered about the valley. This is a very colorful way to start to learn about the history and local culture of the Incas and Peruvian lifestyle.

Day 3:

We will load the bus early and depart for our trek to the Camino Salkantay. We will take in some of the sites along the way.
We will begin our trek to the Salkantay camp (12,705’) on the route called “Camino Real” (Royal Path).

This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimate and enjoy a mild and beautiful 4 hour trek. (Hiking level: Moderate) Optional: guests who do not wish to trek can be transported to camp in a vehicle.

Day 4:

Today we will trek over a 15,000’ mountain pass. This is the highest point of our journey. After an early start we hike up the Rio Blanco Valley. At the pass we stop to take in the views of the snow-capped peaks of the Valcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of the Salkanatay towering above us.
This day the views are stunning. We will work our way up and take a break on the pass. Afterwards we will enjoy a hot lunch the descend down to our camp at 12,600’

*Hiking time 4 – 6 hours. Total excursion time 5 -7 hours. Hiking level moderate to challenging: 15,000’ mountain pass. Horseback support available for anyone who needs assistance.

Day 5:

Following our long day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast. We then begin our hike downhill above the Salkantay River.
* Hiking time 3-4 hours. Hiking level moderate

Day 6:

After breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, coffee plantations, bananas and orchards. From the head of the trial we take a bus to the hot springs camp.
* Hiking time 5-6 hours: Total excursion time for day 6 – 8 hours. Hiking moderate + basically due to distance not terrain.

Day 7:

After a hearty breakfast we start out on our last day of hiking. We head uphill for 2 -3 hours towards Llactapata pass. (8,900’) Here we come upon a distant but very special view of the Machu Picchu ruins. We visit the Llactapata ruins on the pass and enjoy lunch on the pass and the views of Machu Picchu. We then descend to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. (2-3 hour descent) Aguas Calientas and Machu Picchu are now just a short 30 min. train ride away.

We arrive at Aguas Calientas. We settle into our lodge enjoy a hot shower and a celebration dinner.

Day 8:

Today we wake early and enter the Machu Picchu Ruins. We have a private Machu Picchu guide tour us through the ruins for 3 hours. Afterwards everyone is free to explore, climb to Wayna Picchu or just relax amongst the ruins…
In the afternoon we will board the first class train a start our journey back to Cusco.

Day 9:

This morning we will enjoy a hot breakfast. Last minute gift shopping is available in Cusco, or come along to donate supplies to the local orphanage as part of the Human Outreach Project. We will then prepare to catch there flight home in the afternoon.

From here, additional Add-On trips may be planned:

* Departure to Lima Peru for a city tour, and a night in a nice city hotel.

* Gala’pagos Islands - A wildlife paradise with: Astounding wild life, Exclusive charters, Naturalist guides, Snorkeling beach adventures.

* Amazon River Cruise - Explore the amazing Amazon River for 5 days aboard a luxury river boat with daily excursions to some of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of the river valley.

* Cordillera Blanca - The highest mountain range outside of the Himalayas offers premier hiking, trekking and climbing on this 7 day trek.

Hotels:

The hotels and lodges we stay at are first class, clean and comfortable. Laundry, phone, shuttles, internet, and other standard amities are available except when we are camping on the trekking trail. When not camping, meals will be at the lodges and nearby restaurants which exude the local culture and exquisite cuisine of the region.

While in Cusco we stay at the historic Monestario hotel. "This unique hotel museum is an architectural treasure built on Inca foundations with a beautiful chapel adorned with extraordinary gold ornaments. It combines the solemnity of a colonial monastery with the luxury, elegance, comfort and excellent quality of a modern five-star hotel" (www.Monestariohotel.com")

Camping:

We will be camping for most of the nights on this trek. Tents and all camping gear other than sleeping bags, sleeping pads and personal items will be supplied. (Sleeping pads may be rented from World Wide Trekking.)

Our camps on the mountain are as comfortable as they can possibly be. Tents are set up by our tent crew and include a North Face VE-25 4 season 3 person tent for every 2 members. We also have a cabin style dinning tent set with table and chairs for all of our meals. We bring eco friendly portable toilets with privacy shelters for use at camps. Washing water is provided each afternoon when you arrive at camp and in the morning when you wake.

Our mountain meals provided are fresh and nutritious. We have a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that include fresh soups, fruit, vegetables, breads and meats. We always stop for a short rest each day and a sit down lunch. If the weather requires it, we set up the dinning tent for lunch as well as dinner so we can relax in the comfort of its protection.

Agues Calientas:

At the end of the trek, for the last night before we enter the Machu Picchu ruins, we stay at one of the nicest hotels in the town of Agues Calientas. With a hot shower and a celebration dinner to mark the end of our time on the trail, we will prepare for an early morning departure for the ruins and a day of hiking around the ancient sites.

Hiram Bingham Express Train to Cusco:

For our journey back to Cusco we will ride on the luxury Hiram Bingham Express train from Machu Picchu. Along the way we will enjoy a fabulous brunch in the elegant dining car made with fresh seasonal regional ingredients and South American wines. This historic train is exquisite in every way.

"The Hiram Bingham's carriages are luxuriously coloured in their distinctive blue and gold and are furnished in the style of the 1920’s Pullman carriages, described by their originator, George Mortimer Pullman as, ‘Palaces on Wheels’.

Each of the carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large chairs and plenty of space to stretch out. As you board, the tables are exquisitely laid, ready for your meal, with gleaming crystal and polished cutlery." (www.orient-express.com)

This Trek will start and finish at the Cuzco Airport. It is 9 days long, starting the day you arrive in Cuzco, ending the day you leave Cuzco.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

* All transportation from the time you arrive until you depart Cuzco.
* All Hotel accommodations in Cuzco and during listed itinerary. (Double Occupancy in rooms and tents)
* All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
* Cuzco City Tour
* Guides, Porters, Pack Animals, drivers private shuttles, park fees, and climbing permits, Machu Picchu entrance fees and tour.

Land costs do not include:

* International roundtrip airfare.
* Travel expenses outside listed Itinerary.
* Bottled / Alcoholic beverages
* Excess baggage charges.
* Personal gear.
* Optional single room supplement.
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
* Tips and Gratuities.

Extra Services:

* Single hotel room supplement.
* Additional porter service:
* Items of a personal nature: Laundry, Internet, Bar, Phone, etc.

How heavy will my pack?

* Your day pack will be as heavy as you choose. The daypack will contain the items you need to carry for the day: rain gear, camera, trail snacks, sun block, layer’s for cold or changing conditions.

* A pack animal will carry a duffel bag with your personal gear. This should be a waterproof duffel bag with the items you need at camp and for changes in altitude. The duffel will not be available during the day between camps

Our Staff:

* On the trek we will use all local Peruvian guides, cooks, and horsemen, porters etc.

* We will have a team of mules carry our expedition supplies: tents, cookware, food, and group personal gear.

* Cooks and servers: We will have cooks and servers to prepare and cook our meals allowing you to rest and recover at camp. It is very important to stay well nourished and hydrated during the trek to increase the chance of success at high altitude.

* A World Wide Trekking guide will be the expedition leader and coordinate the operations of the local staff and group.

* We will also have local licensed English speaking professional guides.

* Anyone unable to go over the pass will be able to get a ride on a horse. We will have an extra horse with us on the trek.

* When we go into the Machu Picchu ruins. We will have a local specialist give us a guided tour of the ruins. Explaining history, culture and can answer questions.

How much money should I bring?

* It is recommended that you bring $600 per person. This recommendation is to cover the following expenses; airport tax, gratuities, phone bills, and other misc. expenses. If you bring travelers checks they are difficult to cash. A charge for cashing travelers check means they are worth less money overseas.

* Credit cards are only accepted in large shops for bigger purchases. They also charge a service fee for using your credit card.

* ATM machines are available at local banks in town. Cash can be drawn in Cuzco. If you plan on using credit card or ATM. Notify your bank that you will be in Peru: South America.

Where can I expect to exchange money?

* You will also be able to exchange money at local money changers in Cuzco.

* When you change money. Ask for small bills so you can make change and pay for items easily.

* When bringing cash from the states make sure that bills are new and in good shape. $100 should have the NEW large head style.

Gratuities: Should I tip the Guides and staff?

* As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we will acknowledge our staff with a tip.

* During our trek we will tip some of the staff. The horsemen, the cooks, and guides that help us along the way.

* On our trek we can contribute to a group pool that the expedition leader will distribute to the entire staff. We ask clients to budget for $50 per person towards the pool for local staff. Most clients usually offer a separate gratuity to their expedition leader.

* In general, plan to tip $50 for local guides and a tip for your American guide who will be with you at all times. This again your choice and a thank you for good service.

Can I leave a luggage at the lodge?

* Yes, there is a secure place for you to store valuables in the hotel. You can leave a duffel bag with your travel clothes, and items you will not need on the trek at the hotel in Cuzco.

Arriving at the Airport:

You will need a valid passport upon arrival in Cuzco. Those of you arriving early will be responsible for your hotel before scheduled itinerary. When you arrive at the airport you will clear customs. A World Wide Trekking representative will be outside of customs as you exit with you luggage waiting to transport you to the lodge. Look for the sign board with your last name on it when you exit customs.

Visa / Airport taxes:

There are some airport taxes you will pay when you leave Cuzco. You should have some cash on you to pay for your exit tax. No visa is needed prior to entering the country.

Hotel:

The Hotels and Lodges we stay at are clean and comfortable. Meals are provided at the Lodges. Laundry, Phone, Shuttles, Internet, and other standard amities are available upon your request.