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Cusco and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 8D/7N
Destinations: Lima - Cusco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Map
 
Machu Picchu Travel - Cusco Tours - Inca trail to Machu Picchu - Inka Trail Trek to the lost city of the Incas - Peru Adventure - Class Adventure Travel
  Overview Itinerary Route Map Packing Dates and Prices Included Extra Options
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Lima to Cusco
peru_tooltip_info_lima_restaurant.jpg Lima is Latin America's gastronomic capital. Ceviche, king of the exquisite Peruvian seafood, Chinese cuisine called Chifa, and  Peruvian Creole cuisine are among the endless flavors you’ll discover while in Lima.
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The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru impresses due to its vast, varied cultural patrimony housed in its exhibition rooms and storerooms.

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The Solar Temple and Oracular Destination lies 25 miles SE of Lima in Quechua means "Pacha" world, and "camac" to animate.

peru_tooltip_info_lima_restaurant.jpg Is one of the richest ecosystems in the world and the only marine reservation in Peru. Protection has for objective the conservation of the marine and protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the pre-Inca Paracas culture.
peru_tooltip_info_lima_restaurant.jpg A nature wonder spot full of migratory birds, hundreds of  sea lions, Penguins, schools of dolphins and even the Andean Condor. The islands have been eroded to form natural caves and arches of rare beauty.
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"El Candelabro" geoglyph, Gigantic chandelier carved on a hillside on the way to Ballestas islands. It has an extension of 128 mt (420 ft) long, and 74 mt (240 ft) wide.

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This  little unknown paradise offers a variety of  relaxing adventure options such as sand-boarding and sand tours on special sand buggies.

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Las Dunas Hotel is set amongst spacious gardens and is situated in a well known sun resort. facilities include tennis courts, golf course, sandboard, volleyball and basketball grounds.

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A unique place due to the mysteries of its marvelous lines and figures, drawn with spectacular perfection. The beauty and magnitude of the lines must be observed from above.

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Hundreds of streets, pathways, doors and stairs make the visit to this amazing monastery a unique experience. You won’t stop taking pictures.

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Arequipa's central cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Peru. It is situated in the center of the city, in Plaza de Armas.

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This is one of the oldest churches in Arequipa. La Compania was completed in 1698 and boasts an elaborate sillar stone façade.

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The Church of San Francisco was built by local Indians in the late 17 th century, and the facade has the best of the baroque stone carving found on the old churches in Arequipa.

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Colca Canyon from Mirador Cruz del Condor, provides an excellent view to watch the condors flight.

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Both chic and comfortable, Zig Zag equally welcomes families and young people. The house specialty is the unique stone-grilled ostrich from their own 4,000 ostriches farm, educating their customers about ostrich as a healthy alternative to other meats.

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The Uros originally created these artificial Islands to escape the Inca, who dominated the mainland at the time.

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With a population of 3,500 Quechua inhabitants, it is known for its two pre-Inca temples dedicated to the earth's fertility.

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A private 43 hectare island near the remote northern shores of Lake Titicaca. A Lake of deep blue waters and a mythical history.

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Renovated carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering enhanced scenic views and photographic opportunities.

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The first Peruvian museum that shows  the aesthetic aspects of the exhibited objects that belong to ancient Peruvian Cultures.

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 Puca Pucara offers impressive views of the Cusco Valley and glaciers to the south.

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Q’enqo meanszig-zag,” a reference to the series of perfectly carved channels adorning the upper western edge of the temple’s stone.

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Tambomachay Inca’s Bath is located on the outskirts of a hill near the main road close to Antisuyo.

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Sacsayhuaman translates into “ Speckled Falcon” or “Speckled Head” referring to the belief that Cusco City was set out in the shape of a Puma whose head was Sacsayhuaman. Origins of this breathtaking  fortress are uncertain and is generally attributed to the great Inca Pachacutec “The World Transformer".

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US & Canada Toll Free:
1 877 240 4770
UK Line:
+44 207 096 1259
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Cusco - City of the Incas - Cathedral
Departing from the airport in Lima you fly to Cusco where a CAT representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Upon arrival in your hotel you will be briefed on all of your travel arrangements during your stay in the country. Cusco - once the ancient Inca capital - is home to some of the worlds more extraordinary sights. Following a relaxing morning you will be taken on a city tour beginning with a visit to the impressive Colonial Cathedral, followed by a visit to the Temple of the Sun - Korikancha. From here you will be led to the outskirts of Cusco for a tour of the archaelogical site Sacsayhuaman, later visiting the ruins of Puca Pucara, Q´enqo, and Tambomachay. Following the tour you will visit a Curandero (a traditional Andean Shaman/faithhealer). Using coca tea leaves, the Curandero will interpret your future. This breathtaking experience is truly unforgettable. In the evening you will be transferred back to your hotel and be given some time to spend at your leisure.

2
The Sacred Valley of the Inca
Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Following a delicious breakfast in your hotel you will be collected for your tour of the Urubamba Valley. After an hour's drive you arrive at the ruins above Pisac (private tour only) before proceeding to the Pisac Market that lies in the village below (T/Th/Su). For lunch - persons on the private tour will be able to enjoy lunch at the Huayocari Hacienda - an impressive ranch styled private residence with a very impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts. Travelers in group will lunch at a riverside restaurant called the Tunapa. Following lunch you will be led to the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. After the tour you will be transferred to your comfortable hotel in the sacred valley where you will be able to relax and spend he evening at your leisure. Those traveling in the group option will be transferred back to their hotels in Cusco. (Meals - B, L)

**CAT Tip - Make the most of your trip by choosing to do this day in Private. Spending the night in the Sacred Valley is not only a fantastic experience - but also means you do not have to wake up as early in order to begin the Inca Trail on the following morning.

3
Begin Inca Trail and hike to Wayllabamba
Cusco - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 1 - Trekking
After an early start - our transportation and staff will pick you up from your hotel, driving to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco -Machu Picchu railroad. Here is where the Inca Trail begins. You start your hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along some fairly flat terrain you will arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft). You will then ascend up towards the ever impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). From here you will continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, climbing for about five hours until reaching the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft). Here you will arrive to a ready camp. You will be able to spend the evening relaxing around a camp fire with astounding views in every direction. (Meals - B, L, D)

4
Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
Cuzco - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 2 - Trekking
Following an early rise and campfire breakfast you will set out once more in order to tackle the most difficult leg of the trek. The first part of the day's trekking consists of an abrupt and steep ascent up a 9km stretch. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way up to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft), it is quite common to come across domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. After crossing over the pass you will enter an area of cloud forest - a beautiful and lush mountain jungle where a number of colorful hummingbirds and sparrows can be found. Occasionally trekkers come across the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). Following the descent down the pass you enter the Pacamayo Valley (3600m/11808ft), where you arrive at your camp after approximately 7hours of hiking. (Meals - B, L, D)

5
Pacamayo to Wiñaywayna
Cusco - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 3 - Trekking
After an early breakfast you will set out upon the longest - but also the most impressive - day on the trail due to the vast number of archaeological sites you come across and the spectacular cloud forests you pass through. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). From Pacaymayo you climb up and over the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). After going over this pass one is able to take in some spectacular views of the surrounding Andes before descending towards Yanacocha (the Black Lagoon) and entering the cloud forest before finally arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). From Sayamarca you continue up an easy climb before arriving at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After spending some time exploring this site you continue your trek down the long descending stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which your camp is located. The campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar, and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. (Meals - B, L, D)

6
Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu
Cusco - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 4 - Trekking
On the fourth and last day of the Inca Trail you will have to wake up early - at around 4 am - in order to hike up from Wiñatwayna to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) The hike up takes about an hour and most of this is on ancient Inca paths made from flat stones and carved into cliff faces in highland jungle. Upon arrivaving in Intipunku one is graced with possibly the most spectacular site there is to see in Latin America - the sun rising over Machu Picchu. From Intipunku you descend to Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the 'House of the Guardians'. After leaving your backpack at the control point and registering yourself at the entrance you will commence upon a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. The tour takes roughly 2 hours - following which you will be given time to explore the ruins a little by yourself. Many trekkers choose to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu in order to enjoy the fabulous views from above the ruins. Later in the afternoon you will be transported down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy the town's hot-springs, and unwind in the luxury of a hotel after a long trek. (Meals - B)

7
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Cusco - Lima - Luxuty Train from Machu Picchu - Class Adventure Travel
Today you will have at your leisure and you may decide to return to the ruins for more exploration if you wish. Your train back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and will arrive in Cusco just after sundown. CAT highly recommends a ride in the first class VistaDome train, which allows for a spectacular view of the scenery and starlit sky as you wind your way back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transferred back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to pass as you wish. You may decide to explore the city a little on your own - perhaps having dinner in one of the many fine restaurants the city has on offer. Please feel free to ask your Peruvian Sale Representative for more information. (Meals - B)

8
Cusco to Lima
Lima - Back from Cusco - Machu Picchu - Class Adventure Travel
Following breakfast you will have some free time to spend at your leisure. Your flight back to Lima departs in the early afternoon. You will be transferred to the airport for this flight and will of course be met by a CAT representative in Lima upon your arrival back in Peru's capital city. The CAT representative will help you with your onward travel arrangements as you make your way back home or on to another of CAT's magical destinations. (Meals - B)


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