Inca Trail - Alyson Adventures (July 13-22, 2013)

Lima, Peru

We begin in Lima, with most tour members arriving during the evening of Day 1 or early in the morning of Day 2 (with their rooms reserved from the night before). After breakfast, we will tour the city including: the Plaza Major, the Government Palace, the Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace. We will visit the Casa Aliaga, a well-preserved colonial mansion in continuous occupancy by the same family since 1535. We will also enjoy a visit to a private collection of Inca and Pre-Inca arts and artifacts, and tour the Larco Herrara Museum with its extensive erotic art collection. Dinner this evening will be at Huaca Pucllana, a lovely Peruvian restaurant.

Breathe Deep: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

This morning we fly from Lima to Cusco (approximately one hour). After arrival in Cusco, we will begin adjusting to the altitude in preparation for our upcoming mountain trek. We will drive down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a beautiful stretch of villages and ancient ruins spread across a broad plain beneath the gentle mountain slopes northwest of Cusco. The area is home to several grand haciendas, Inca temples, and quaint villages. It is also a fertile valley and major center of agricultural production. With the Urubamba River as its source, native Andean crops such as white corn, coca, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables flourish in expansive fields and along spectacularly terraced mountain slopes. We then arrive at our hotel in the Urubamba Valley for the night. After dinner, we rest and prepare for our mountain trek.

Hiking the Inca Trail

For the next four days/three nights we will follow the Inca Trail through one of the most stunning combinations of natural beauty and rich cultural history imaginable. The following itinerary is typical of the trek but maybe fluctuate based on weather conditions, campsites available and the progress of the group. In few other places does a trail challenge and thrill a hiker with such mystery and magnificent scenery. Each day we will ascend to new vistas, see incredible ruins (only visible by walking the trail) and live in the actual footsteps of those who built this path nearly 600 years ago. And each day the anticipation of Machu Picchu, one of the most amazing archaeological wonders of the world, pulls us upward to the clouds.

Our starting point is at km. marker 82 in the trail. It will be a relatively short day of hiking as we cross over a small bridge to and make an initial climb to our first campsite. Our introduction to the ruins begins as there are several ancient sites amidst the terraced landscape of the great Andes.

After breakfast, we begin a difficult but rewarding day of trekking. We will cross over the highest pass on the trail: 13,800 ft and perhaps the second highest of 13,280, depending on the weather and the timing. As we ascend the first pass, we may catch a glimpse of our second pass off in the distance. As the path winds slowly uphill through a small forest we reach Pallacta, an elaborate archeological complex of roughly 112 rooms. We continue up and over the Cusichaca Valley to reach the tiny Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to our first pass. Along the way we will see a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. We will also pass through our first cloud forest where white slips appear out of nowhere only to dissolve like a magic handkerchief and leave us with a perfect patch of blue sky. We can also catch a glimpse of the very rare que-ua tree found only here in the Andes.

With the tree line below us we move slowly not only to preserve our breathing but to enjoy the outrageous mountain views. We descend to the Pacamayo River, and then climb again to the Runkuraqay, a beautifully restored ruin circular in shape and used as a lookout. It still offers wondrous views which we pause to enjoy before heading over a lower pass to Sayacmarca. Tonight we camp at Phuyupatamarca (town at the edge of the clouds). We again have hiked approximately 9 km but today’s trek will take us eight hours.

Machu Picchu

On our final morning on the trail, we follow along a buttress toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located on a ridge of the same water course we have been traversing. With each step we draw closer to the crown of the Lost City—Machu Picchu. Today’s hike is not easy. We walk carefully on massive stone steps spiraling downward, then we climb up and up again. But our reward is well worth the effort: the first glimpse of Machu Picchu as we enter through the Sun Gate, the same way the Incas did it over 500 years ago.

The ancient city atop the mountains at 8,000 ft seems untouched since being inhabited by the Incas. Because of its remote location, the Spanish conquistadors missed Machu Picchu and it became a refuge for the escaping Incas during the time of conquest. Amazingly preserved temples still stand with huge walls of artistically carved white granite. Every turn offers another view, another photo opportunity, or another chance to absorb the magic and the history that make this place so special.

With this sky high treasure at our feet, we have time to explore before we shake the dust off our clothes, enjoy a hot shower, and replace our sleeping bags with soft hotel beds at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Lodge. The lodge is in the village below Machu Picchu. The following morning we can go up and watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, take a leisurely tour of the site, or hike Wayna Picchu for the stout-hearted. This afternoon we take a scenic train ride to Cusco for the next two nights. 

Cusco

We will arrive in Cusco in the early evening. After we transfer to our hotel, dinner will be on your own. Cusco is a lovely colonial city with plenty of diversions. The main square with lovely shops and tempting restaurants is within walking distance of our hotel. After our long days of hiking, this is a chance to slow down and enjoy Andean hospitality. There will be an optional half day city tour so we can visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun. In the hip San Blas neighborhood we can roam the ancient streets and shop at the square filled with native art galleries and craft booths. Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and party in Cusco.

Departure Day

A mid-morning flight to Lima will give most travelers the day to relax before late night departures. Day rooms may be available at the hotel for those who want to rest before their flights home. Bags can be stored at the hotel as you wait for you transfer to the airport. Individual transfers to the airport are not included in the tour price, but can be reserved as a tour option. You may also extend your trip with an additional night in Lima or by adding on a private tour to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca. Please check with us if you are interested in a adding a post-tour expedition to your Peru adventure.

Traveling Alone?

So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you’d like a room by yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.

Is It The Right Vacation For You?

This trip includes very strenuous hiking at high altitudes. You should be prepared to hike for several hours each day. We will be camping along the trail for three nights often in primitive conditions. Temperature can vary on a daily basis from extremely warm to freezing.

Deposit

$500 due at the time of registration.

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