Itinerary

Day 1-2   

Depart from home mid-day. Arrive in Miami or Dallas during early evening. Depart for Lima around midnight and arrive Lima early next morning.

Day 2   

Once in Lima, we'll transfer to a national flight to Cuzco (10,988'), arriving by mid-day. Rest and relaxation will be in order, focusing on acclimatization. We'll change some money, stroll the streets of Cusco, have lunch at a nearby restaurant and overnight in our hotel. (Meal included: dinner)

Day 3   

An exciting cultural touring day. We'll first visit the local ruins of Sacsayhuaman on the way out of town. We'll travel on to the Sacred Valley where we will tour the famous Pisak market, a good place to purchase local crafts and goods. Our last cultural visit in the Sacred Valley will be Ollantaytambo, which sits above the town in a beautiful setting. We'll overnight in a hotel here, close to our departure point for the Machu Picchu trek. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4   

Rise around 4:30-5 AM, have a quick breakfast in our hotel, then a private bus will take us to the trailhead, at km. 82 (2,400M or 7,872'). We'll continue up the trail for some distance, to our tent camp at Llullchapampa (3,600M or 11,808'), and relax and rest up for the next day. Figure on 6-8 hours of trekking on this day and 13 or so miles: There will be awesome views and it will be worth the effort. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5   

Wake up around 7, and then start trekking out of the light woodland. The trail continues to climb upwards beyond Llupachayoc, up steeper trail and rock steps. The woodland gives way to scrub, then to puna, bleak grassland and bare slopes. The ascent becomes increasingly steep, and the terrain increasingly rugged. The trail climbs steeply towards the first pass, the Abra de Huarmihuanusca ("Dead Woman's Pass"), 4198m, or 13,769'. This is a somewhat tough day by trekking standards. All trekkers are advised to train in particular for this ascent, as it will be the most demanding of the entire trip. While we will not be carrying heavy packs, the ascent will be challenge enough. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6   

From the valley of the Pacamayo, the trail climbs steeply up the opposite side of the valley wall, towards the second pass, Abra de Runkuracay, 3,998m (13,113'). After the pass, the trail descends towards a valley containing a shallow lake. Here, the trail changes from a dirt path to a narrow stone roadway, the beginning of the "true" Inca Trail. The stones of the roadway were laid by the Quechua people during the period of the Inca Empire. We'll journey along the most classic looking parts of the stone path, so be sure to take plenty of photos as you approach the "Third Pass," and, just beyond it, an Inca ruin, Phuyupatamarca ("Cloud-level Town"). We will camp at the high pass with a spectacular 360 degree panorama. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7   

The final section of the trail to Machu Picchu, from Huinay Huayna to Intipunku, is an easy hike, following a broad level path which winds comfortably through scrub and light woodland. After no more than an hour or two, the trail comes to a narrow flight of stone steps leading upwards into a small stone structure. This is Intipunku, and through the rectangular doorway, you can see the ruins of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku, a pathway leads directly to Machu Picchu itself, and a descent of over an hour will take us down to the actual ruins. We'll have until late afternoon to explore the area. Our cultural guide will take us for a general tour, explaining Machu Picchu's highlights. Following the tour, there will be time for individual exploration and photography. At the end of the day we'll await a bus for our trip down the mountain and then check-in to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, a tourist mecca below the Machu Picchu ruins. Overnight in hotel. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8   

Some morning shopping/sightseeing in Aguas Calientes, then catch a private train for the journey to Cusco. Get off train half way to Cusco, then private bus the remainder of the way. Overnight in hotel. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9   

Departure for Lima, then late flight from Lima to USA (Meal included: breakfast)

Day 10   

Flights arrive in Miami/Dallas about 5 AM, which leaves plenty of time to make connections for flight home. Arrive home by mid-afternoon.

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