Charters... really? *tries not to sound too snobby*
Here what one company has sent me:
Trip Dossier 2006 Peru: Luxury Inca Trail (LIT)
The Inca Trail is deservedly the most famous footpath in South America. It has everything: gorgeous mountain scenery, cloudforest and lush sub-tropical vegetation with numerous species of flowers, a stunning destination (Machu Picchu) and, above all, the Inca remains that give the trail its name. There are Inca paving stones, Inca stairways, an Inca tunnel, and of course the ruins: Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Hui–ay Huayna (Wi–ay Wayna) and Machu Picchu itself.
Our luxury trek is slightly longer at five days and four nights. This is the best way to thoroughly appreciate this amazing trail and avoid the busiest campsites. The little touches à hot water bottles to warm your trekking boots in the morning à three man tents will sleep two people and the best food and guides in town. The five day trek also gives us a whole day in Machu Picchu to have it (at times) totally to ourselves, as well as quieter trekking on the mountain.
The return to Poroy is by train. This is an exciting way to view the mighty Urubamba river and where you have just trekked.
The Vilcabamba range, approximately 85km long, is a really spectacular part of the Andes, located northwest of Cusco, between the Apur’mac and Urubamba rivers. Several giant snow covered peaks rise out of the Vilcabamba massif, often clearly visible from the Lima to Cusco flight (sit on the left side of the plane) and also from the drive between Cusco and the start of the Inca Trail. Salcantay (6,271m / 20,575ft) is the highest peak in the area, towering above all others. This mountain was highly revered by the Incas and is still very important to the people living in the Cusco area. Its name in Quechua means wild mountain. The other big snow covered mountain you see is Pumasillo (6075m), west of Machu Picchu and highest peak in the mini Sacsarayoc Range, seen from the second pass on the Inca Trail.
Typical of the region is the verdant cloud forest of the rugged eastern side of the Vilcabamba mountains and the deep gorges of the Apur’mac and Urubamba. TheyÕve been gouged out of granite by centuries of torrents of glacier melt water forcing their way north and eastwards on the way to the rainforest. The area is rich in Inca history: for nearly 50 years this remote region served as a hideout for their resistance movement as it tried to regain control from the Spanish invaders in the 16th century. The Incas left behind many ceremonial platforms, gate houses (tambos) and a network of beautifully constructed pathways linking their strongholds, the well known Machu Picchu, and lesser known but equally important sites such as Choquequirau and Espiritu Pampa. Please ask if you would like details of these or other treks.
Suggested itinerary à starting in Cusco. Please ask for information on flights and accommodation in Cusco and Lima.
Day 1: Drive to start of the Inca Trail. Begin the trek.
Day 2: Day 2 of the trek
Day 3: Day 3 of the trek
Day 4: Arrive Machu Picchu à overnight in Aguas Calientes. Hotel.
Day 5: Full guided tour of Machu Picchu and free time in the ruins. Afternoon train to Cusco.
Day 1 Cusco to Llactapata.
From Cusco, we pick you up early from your hotel. You travel by bus, via the highland villages of Chinchero and Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred valley of the Incas. We stop at Ollantaytambo to explore the impressive ruins.
From the road there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba mountain range and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m.
Most of our groups have up to 16 trekkers with one main English speaking guide and an assistant guide. Trekkers come from all over the world, and are of all ages.
At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river.
At Chilca, where we start the trek, you walk down to the entrance, where your tickets are checked. Sign in, cross the bridge and make a left turn following the trail gently along the river bank until uphill we reach a eucalyptus grove and Llactapata - the first major ruins on the route. Vast retaining walls have converted the steeply sloping hillside into agricultural terraces: an amazing sight.
We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. Just below Llactapata the R’o Cusichaca, a tributary of the Urubamba, takes a spectacular plunge into the ground.
Day 2 Llactapata to Llulluchupampa (3,680m).
The trail climbs steeply out of the ruins over a low pass, and the hike up the valley begins.
After about an hour youÕll reach a bridge, putting you on the other side of the valley, and will continue on to the village of Huayllabamba (3,000m).
At Huayllabamba the trail turns right (northwest) up the Llullucha valley. After walking steeply upwards for about 11/2 hours you will drop down to a grassy clearing, popularly known as The Forks. The path then enters woods à first scrub, then very beautiful cloudforest where the trees are hung with moss. These fairy-tale woods will help keep your mind off the fact that you are still going steeply uphill with no sign of respite. Eventually, however, the trees become more stunted and you emerge into a meadow, Llulluchapampa. From The Forks to the meadow is about 2 hours. This is the last campsite before the pass, aptly named (if you are a female hiker) Abra de Huarmihua–usqa, ÔDead WomanÕs PassÕ (4,198m), which you can see ahead of you, with the stunning valley below.
Day 3 Llulluchupampa to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650m).
It will take you about 1 1/2 hours to climb to the top of the pass. This is the highest point on the trail, so take heart à if you survive this, youÕll survive the other passes. Take time to look around you. You should be able to pick out the circular ruins of Runkuracay ahead, just below the next pass. The descent is steep but not difficult. Just follow the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and a large campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m).
From the valley floor it will take you about an hour to reach the next set of Inca ruins. Runkuracay, a ruin not, perhaps, very impressive in itself, but occupying a commanding position overlooking the valley, and at the end of a series of rock-hewn steps that at last give you a feeling that you are on the trail of the Incas. From Runkuracay the path is clear over the second pass (Abra de Runkuracay, 4,000m) and, excitingly, much of the time you are on Inca steps. The descent down the steps is steep, so take care.
Just before the trail turns right, youÕll see the sign for Sayacmarca. These ruins lie about an hour from the top of the pass and the name, which means Ôthe Inaccessible or Secret CityÕ, is apt. You approach Sayacmarca up a superbly designed stone staircase. This is a diversion (the main trail continues its gradual descent to the right) but donÕt let fatigue persuade you to miss it.
Like so many Inca ruins, no one really knows the purpose of Sayacmarca, but these are the visible facts: it was built on a precipice commanding a spacious view; there are no agricultural terraces so the complex could not have supported many inhabitants; ritual baths and an aqueduct run round the outside of the main wall; there are curious stone rings set in the wall by trapezoid openings. For me the mystery adds to the beauty, and it is beauty all the way from here à if you are fortunate with the weather.
The trail continues down to the valley floor. From here it becomes a glorious Inca Road, being on a raised causeway over marshy ground that then rises up through cloudforest. Stone paving on raised stone foundations, steps and a gentle gradient make for easy walking, and even if it is raining (and it often is) you will marvel at the Inca workmanship.
Before the climb to the third pass there is a campsite with basic toilets. During the ascent you climb through two Inca tunnels, and if it is a clear day you will have the added bonus of a view of Salkantay over to your left. The pass (3,700m) is used as a campsite, but it gets crowded and water is some way below. Just below the pass, about 2 hours from Sayacmarca, are the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Access is down a steep flight of stairs. Clear water runs through the channels cut into the rock that feed five baths, leading one from the other down the hill. It is here we camp.
Day 4 Phuyupatamarca ruins to Wi–ay Wayna then Machu Picchu and hotel in Aguas Calientes.
An Inca staircase leads from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) and disappears into the jungle, leading you down a thousand steps. Literally. YouÕll think that your knees will never feel the same again.
The end comes at the hostel nearby the ruins of Hui–ay Huayna (Wi–ay Wayna). There is a small restaurant. Beer! This is also the last place to fill up with water before Machu Picchu itself.
Hui–ay Huayna lies just below the hostel round to the right as you are descending, and is the most extensive of the ruins so far. It has some beautiful stonework, a fantastic location, and an air of mystery often lacking in the crowded Machu Picchu ruins.
The trail from the hostel to Machu Picchu (1 1/2 hours away) is clearly marked. The trail contours a mountainside and disappears into cloudforest full of begonias, bromeliads and tree ferns, before coming to a steep flight of stairs leading up to the first Inca gate. The path continues to the main gate, Intipunku à Ôthe Gateway of the SunÕ à and suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you. A magical moment.
We walk down through the site to the main entrance where you can safely leave your backpacks. You can also use the toilet and have a drink in the restaurant just outside the entrance before we get the bus down to Aguas Calientes and transfer to our hotel à rest those weary legs!
There are many restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Of course you could also visit the hot springs that Agues Calientes is named for, which will help ease those aching muscles. Entrance to the springs costs US$2, and you should allow a couple of hours to fully enjoy them.
Day 5 Ã Machu Picchu tour and return to Cusco
Returning first thing in the morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere.
We head back into the site for a complete tour of the major sectors of Machu Picchu. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about mid-morning you'll be free to continue to explore the ruins alone.
After a late lunch in Aguas Calientes, we catch the afternoon train back to Poroy and a bus from here back to Cusco.
The train back to Cusco leaves from Aguas Calientes, the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu, at approximately 16:30 and you get back into Cusco for about 21:00.
We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes at 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times.
This leaves you plenty of time at the site or to do one of the other walks nearby (see below for suggestions).
Included Services
Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail in private vehicle. All camping and cooking equipment: this includes Thermarests, spacious two-person tents, dining tent and toilet tent. An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen. A qualified, English speaking, Inca trail guide, all porters and a cook team. Hostal in Aguas Calientes. A guided tour in Machu Picchu, $6 entrance to Ollantaytambo, the $50 entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins, bus transfers to and from the ruins, Train return from Machu Picchu to Poroy and bus to Cusco, meals on trek à breakfast, lunch and dinner all days, except dinner on Day 4 and 5.
Not Included
Breakfast on the first morning, dinner on days 4 and 5, ticket to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, second day entrance tickets and second day bus tickets to Machu Picchu (if you are staying on an extra day). Note: Sleeping bags can be hired in the Cusco office.
Please note:
We include the hiring of a personal porter (one between two) to help you carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. This will allow you to enjoy the walk even more. The night before you set off you will be given a lockable duffel bag to give to the porter that is going to carry your things. Keep the weight to 9 kgs for each person. The porter will carry a total of 18kgs. This duffel bag should be given back to the porter in Aguas Calientes, where you will be given a sack to put your things in.
Vegetarian meals available if you let us know in advance.
An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional.
Tips/money:
Tips for the guide, assistant, cook and porters are not included in the price of the trek. Our staff are well paid and tips are optional and dependent on the service provided. Generally tips are distributed amongst the trekking staff on the third night at Wi–ay Wayna. Usually the group elects someone to collect the tips. A tip is made to the guide. The tips for the porters and cook should be paid to each individual. If you have a personal porter then it is best to keep some money back and pay him directly yourselves. The amount each person tips depends on you. DonÕt get annoyed if some of your fellow trekkers donÕt pay anything at all. We recommend you give 20-40 soles from each of you, to be divided up and handed individually to the staff.
Apart from money for tips you will also need to bring money for other items such as meals in Aguas Calientes, souvenirs, film, etc. Soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits can be bought at the start of the trek (km82) and at the first village Wayllabamba.. At Wi–ay Wayna there is a small restaurant where you can buy snacks and even a beer. At the ruins of Machu Picchu itself you can buy drinks, sandwiches, film and some souvenirs but because of the location prices are over inflated and it is cheaper to wait until you get to Aguas Calientes.
Extra Walks
After exploring the site of Machu Picchu, if you still have the energy, there are three walks well worth doing, before heading down to Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu mountain just south of the site, and overlooking it, is a 500m climb, up a well made Inca pathway. There are some Inca constructions on the top that were probably for religious ceremonies, given the prominent position of the mountain. They look like they have been damaged by treasure seekers. Allow 2 hours each way through lush forest, keeping a look out for interesting birds, flowers and snakes sunbathing on the path. The path up Machu Picchu mountain starts from the terraces where the Inca Trail comes in to Machu Picchu at the top of the site.
Huayna Picchu mountain is a steep one hour climb (200m in height difference), much of which is up Inca stairs. Try to get there early, before the hoards as itÕs a popular walk.
Less popular and an equally beautiful walk is to the Temple of the Moon. There is some high quality Inca stone work inside a cave, which was obviously a sacred place. This is on the west side of Huayna Picchu mountain, 400m below the summit. For both of these walks head for the path leading out of the north end of Machu Picchu.
If you are staying an extra day in Aguas Calientes and feel like getting a different view over Machu Picchu try this walk from the town. Putucusi, the verdant rocky lump on the east side of the river, oppposite Machu Picchu, is a challenging climb. Take a guide with you if possible. Most of the ascent is up rickety wooden ladders, with short sections of path in between. This scramble should only be attempted by serious climbers. The views from the top, of Machu Picchu and beyond to Salkantay are pretty spectacular, but be warned itÕs a hot sweaty, slippery struggle to get there.
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With the overall itinery being something like...
With regards to the 2 week holiday they could do something like this:
Day 1 Arrive Lima, hotel
Day 2 Fly Cusco
Day 3 Free day
Day 4 Free day
Day 5 Inca Trail
Day 8 Arrive Machu Picchu
Day 9 Return Cusco
Day 10 Free day Cusco
Day 11 Train to Puno
Day 12 Island Visit
Day 13 Fly Lima
Day 14 Fly UK
There is a lot for them to do in Cusco and the surrounding area, there
are
Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, artisan markets, the city itself has
lots
of nice restaurants and places of interest, and if they wanted to do
something more adventurous they have the option of horse riding or
whitewater rafting trips.
We can book private tours around the sacred valley but I'm afraid we
wouldn't be able to do a private Inca Trail for 2 people, due to the
number
of porters etc that you need.
The price for the above itinerary would obviously depend on which
hotels you
wanted to book, without hotels the cost would be:
GBP £ 613 with standard Inca Trail
GBP £ 844 with the Luxury Inca Trail
What do you think ?
Milliemoo
