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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 )
*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).
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