Highlights

Exploring ruins and haggling at local markets in the Sacred Valley, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Description

One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world's best known hikes. The four-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region's ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you're free to enjoy the beauty of the region.
Inca Trail Advisory

Read our information page about the regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or learn about the annual Inca Trail Closure in February. Are you hiking Lares? View the Lares Trek route information.

7 days: Peru Introduction One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world's best known hikes. The four-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region's ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you're free to enjoy the beauty of the region. What's Included Guided tour of Sacred Valley, 4-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters, Guided tour of Machu Picchu The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Gap Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2011 - December 31st 2011. Trip style Active: Challenging physical adventure meets fully immersive exploration—our Active trips are made for outdoor enthusiasts. From trekking and biking to whitewater rafting and kayaking, work up a sweat as you venture off the beaten path. Back To Index Service level Standard: Our Standard service level features more comfortable tourist class hotels and guesthouses that reflect your destination's character. Of course, you'll retain local colour with some travel by public transportation but sometimes you'll enjoy the convenience of private vehicles. Ideal for travellers looking for an authentic experience and a little more comfort. Back To Index Physical grading 4: May include high altitude hiking of up to 8 hours/day or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness. Back To Index Itinerary Route map for The Inca Trail (SPIT) Day 1 Arrive Cuzco Arrive Cuzco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A Gap Adventures representative will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 5pm and 6pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details). Cuzco is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Cuzco's numerous colonial churches are one of the city's most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city's greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore! Day 2 Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. An important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cuzco with much of its produce. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning. Day 3-6 Inca Trail (3B, 3L, 3D) The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, and the excursion is within the ability of most reasonably fit. It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared. Depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide look after us well for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the hike only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk the trail that linked this ancient empire, admire breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes. You pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata. The second day climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman's Pass. At 4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 3998 m (13113 ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We will camp either here or an hour and a half further along close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you. Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain. NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where they overnight. Next morning they take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or Gap Adventures. Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek. Day 7 Depart Cuzco Note: Return flight to Lima can be arranged if requested. Back To Index StartFinish ex Cuzco Back To Index Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Back To Index Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Back To Index Important Notes 1. The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing. Before embarking on your adventure to Peru it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines as described in a document available on our website, at the following URL address: http://www.gapadventures.com/before-you-go/ 2. Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu. 3. Portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek. 4. Please note that this tour combines with other Gap Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with Gap Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another Gap Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. Back To Index Group Leader Description All Gap Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a Gap Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Back To Index Group Size Notes Max 16, Avg 12 Back To Index Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Back To Index Meals Included 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners. Back To Index Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Gap Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Back To Index Transport Train, Van, Hiking. Back To Index Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Back To Index Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. Back To Index Accommodation Hotels (3 nts), Camping (3 nts). Back To Index My Own Room Not available on this tour. Back To Index Joining Hotel Hotel Prisma Calle Matara 394 Cuzco Peru Tel: +51 84 224-412 Back To Index Joining Instructions Velasco Astete International Airport in Cuzco, is approximately a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. After retrieving your luggage you will see tourist information kiosks. You can arrange for an official taxi at one of these kiosks. The rates are set and will not need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see an area with sign boards all around. Look for a Gap Adventures sign board with your name. If after waiting for 20 minutes you do not see anyone with a Gap Adventures signboard please contact the local emergency contact number on your voucher. Back To Index Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. Back To Index Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Lima. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. Gap Adventures Cuzco, Peru. Open 9am to 6pm Mon-Fri, 9am to 1pm Sun, local time (GMT –5). Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 51 84 228-716. Cusco Emergency Cell Phone: +51-84 984-705722 or from within Cusco 984-705-722, after office hours. Gap Adventures Lima, Peru. Open 7 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT â€"5). Tel: Int. Dialing Code +51 1 652 7300. Tel/ Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 51 1 719-8873. Lima Emergency Cell Phone: +51 99 758 2712, after office hours. If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Lima, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below. Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600. Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 Back To Index What to Take Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. Back To Index Checklist - Passport (with photocopies) - Travel insurance (with photocopies) - Airline tickets (with photocopies) - USD cash and travellers cheques - Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) - Gap Adventures vouchers and trip details - Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required - Camera and film - Reading/writing material - Binoculars - Cover for backpacks - Pocketknife. - Fleece top - Windproof/waterproof jacket - Small towel and swim wear - 4 shirts/t-shirts - Sun hat - 1 pair of shorts - 2 pairs of long trousers - 1 pair hiking pants/track pants - Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes - Sport sandals - Sunblock - Sunglasses - Toiletries (biodegradable) - Watch or alarm clock - Water bottle - Purification tablets or filter - Flashlight - Money belt - First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). RECOMMENDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL - Inner sheet (for sleeping bag) - Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof) - Rain poncho - Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry - Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately $10 USD) - Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating type mattresses are available for hire) - Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen) - Thermal underwear All other camping equipment is provided for the Inca Trail excursion. Porters carry the camping gear, food, and a portion of your personal belongings. All you will need to carry is a day-pack, containing waterproof jacket, fleece top, camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and hat during the hike. In our continued effort to support the rights of the porters on the Inca Trail we would like ensure that they never exceed the weight limit for their packs as set out by the Peruvian authorities. Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6Kg of personal belongings per hiker. That means that including your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc... you are allowed a total weight of 6KG for the hike which will be carried in a duffle bag provided by our local office. Any additional weight must then be carried by you in your day pack. To help achieve this goal we recommend that you carry travel sized toiletries, eg. contact lens solution, that you bring sport sandals that can be worn with socks (which are lighter than running/walking shoes) and that you limit electronics such as MP3 players to those that you are willing to carry. Please note, the remainder of your luggage will be stored for you at one of our hotels in Cuzco. It is advised that you bring anything of value (eg. money, passport, credit cards, camera, etc) with you on the trek. Back To Index Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Back To Index Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. Back To Index Destination Guide For practical information on weather, typical costs, visa information, special events and much more, our Destination Travel Guide is the place to visit! This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about everywhere we go! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/travel-guide for detailed information on the countries and cities we visit. Back To Index Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. Back To Index Money Exchange Debit and credit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs.). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work in all of the ATMs in Latin America due to their affiliation with certain card systems. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com Back To Index Local payment description Effective October 1st, 2009, new Gap Adventures tour bookings will no longer require travellers to pay a portion of their tour price on Day 1 of their tour. What was previously broken out as a local payment for our tours is now being included in the upfront tour pricing as displayed on our website. The changeover period due to the implementation of this policy will mean that on day 1 there will be a mixture of travellers both paying and not paying the local payment, however please note that the overall cost to our travellers has not changed. People who booked a tour before October 1st 2009, and are travelling after 01 January 2010 will have the option to either bring their local payment funds to their Tour Leader on Day 1, or to prepay their local payment before departure. Anyone who desires to prepay their local payment must contact their Adventure Specialist at Gap Adventures or Travel Agent by October 31st, 2009 to arrange prepayment. If you still wish to pay your local payment upon arrival, the amount to be paid will be clearly stated on your tour voucher and invoice documents. Please be aware that certain park fees and local charges still apply on some tours; only the Gap Adventures local payment has been discontinued. This change is a result of feedback from our travellers and to streamline and simplify the payment process. Back To Index Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Back To Index Departure Tax Lima - USD32 Back To Index Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Local Guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Back To Index Optional Activities Cuzco: Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $25 (half ticket) $46 (full ticket) City tour $15-20 Horse riding around ruins (with guide) $40 Horse riding around ruins (without guide) $15 Whitewater rafting $55 Mountain biking $55 Inka Museum $3.5 entrance Museo de Historia Regional entrance with Boleto Turistico All prices are per person in US dallar amounts (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Back To Index