INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AND CIRCUIT AROUND MOUNT AUSANGATE 14d/13n 5 night camping

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AND CIRCUIT AROUND MOUNT AUSANGATE 14d/13n 5 night camping
Reserve your 2011 entry today!
Don't miss the original classic pilgrimage trail to Machu Picchu. New regulations limit the number of people on the Inca Trail. Inca Trail permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are non-transferable. To ensure your spot we recommend that you reserve at least 6 months in advance!
RETURN TO TRIP SUMMARY
Land cost: Single Supplement, if requested. $550
Day 1: Lima/Cusco .- This morning you will be met at the Lima airport by an Andes Adventures representative, who will assist you with connecting flights to Cusco. Depart on a one-hour flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Upon arrival in Cusco, we transfer to the hotel where a traditional welcome cup of coca leaf tea is served to help with the acclimatization to the 11,150 feet altitude. This morning we will have a guided sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, Qorikancha, the most important temple of the Inca empire and the Santo Domingo Monastery. You will receive a tourist ticket valid for the length of the trip enabling you to visit the many archaeological sites, temples and other places of interest. Welcome dinner and overnight in Cusco. Overnight: Picoaga Hotel in Cusco. Meals: L, D.
Today's run: None scheduled.
Day 2: Cusco .- Morning visit to the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, beginning with the fortress and temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco at 12,136 feet. It is still a mystery how this fortress was constructed. Gigantic stones, some of them weighing 125 tons, were carved into huge trapezoidal blocks that fit together with extraordinary precision. The tour continues with visits to the semicircular shrine of Kenko, Puca Pucara and the Royal Baths of Tambomachay, a beautiful ceremonial bath, adorned with waterfalls, which continues to flow 500 years after being built.
Following the tour, we run downhill to Cusco, passing through the village of Yuncaypata, and the Temple of the Moon. We enter Cusco through San Blas and finish at the Plaza de Armas. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon relaxing, shopping and sightseeing in beautiful Cusco and its surroundings. Overnight: Picoaga Hotel in Cusco. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 4.5 miles.
Day 3: Chinchero/Yucay .- Continuing to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we travel across a high plain with splendid views of the Cordillera Urubamba to the ancient Inca town of Chinchero at 12,350 feet. There, we will visit a highland home and observe a demonstration of the traditional weaving process and shop for local handicrafts. Acclimatization run, starting on flat terrain, passing through the salt mines of Maras and finishing down a scenic trail leading to the Urubamba River. Overnight in the town of Yucay. Overnight: Sonesta Posada del Inca Hotel in Yucay. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 5 to 8 mile options.
Day 4: River rafting /Llactapata .- We are picked up at the hotel for a two hour whitewater adventure on the Urubamba River where everyone shares in the paddling. Trained river guides will give us a safety and familiarization orientation. Instead of rafting you may choose to take a nature hike or run. We have a light lunch in Ollantaytambo and continue on a short ride by bus to the trailhead at km 82 "Piscacucho," where we begin our run to km 88 "Qoriwayrachina." There we enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary National Park. About a mile later we arrive at our camp in the archaeological site of Llactapata "Town on Hillside" at 8,400 feet. Upon arrival in camp we enjoy hot coca tea and a great view of the Urubamba mountain range. Overnight: Camp at Llactapata. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: About 6.5 miles along the Urubamba River with a shorter option available.
Note: The point of entrance to the Inca Trail is subject to change due to permit requirements.
Day 5: llactapata Phuyupatamarca .- Early breakfast and start of our Inca Trail run*. The trail continues along the Cusichaca River and follows it upstream on a gradual climb for another three miles leaving behind the Urubamba valley and a magnificent view of snow-capped Mount Veronica (18,865'), the highest peak in the Cordillera Urubamba. We reach the village of Wayllabamba at 9,100 feet, the last inhabited village on the Inca trail. Penetrating the spectacular Llulluchayoc gorge; the trail becomes steeper as we enter mossy woods and continue our uphil climb through a thick forest, before emerging into a large meadow "pampa", Llulluchapampa high above tree line at about 12,400 feet. We continue to Warmiwañusq'a pass "Pass of the Dead Woman" at 13,779 feet, the highest pass in the Inca Trail. A short rocky descent into the valley brings us to Pacaymayo River. We will have an aid station here. Ascending steps, we begin the climb towards Runkurakay pass. On the way we encounter the Runkurakay watchtower ruins at 12,464 feet and pass by a couple of small lakes, before reaching the Runkurakay pass at 13,100 feet. From here you will have excellent views of the glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Most of the climb is behind us; the trail descends rocky slopes and reaches the strategic fortress of Sayacmarca "Dominant Town" at 12,234 feet. Beyond Sayacmarca the trail enters dense groves and you will find impressive evidence of Inca road construction, with its six feet wide and carefully constructed stone-paved trails. An amazing engineering accomplishment! We will negotiate a 20 meter Inca tunnel with carved steps and soon the trail becomes a magnificent stone staircase leading to Phuyupatamarca "Town in the Clouds" at 11,674 feet. We summit the third pass and have our first look into the deep gorge of the Urubamba River and reach our camp in Phuyupatamarca.
*Runners have the option to run the "Inca Trail Marathon" and continue to Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Camp at Phuyupatamarca. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 17 miles
Day 6: Machu Picchu .- The trail follows down a series of hundreds of steps, passing by ceremonial Inca baths where mountain water still flows through carved stone channels. As we descend into the cloud forest, we will be surrounded by abundance of exotic varieties of plants, orchids and flowers until reaching the ruins of Wiñay Wayna "Forever Young." We run down a dirt trail about three and a half miles to Intipunku "Gateway of the Sun" at 8,860 feet. Suddenly, the full grandeur of the world's greatest ruins are revealed, the domed peak of Huayna Picchu and the lost City of the Incas, MACHU PICCHU at 7,900 feet. Our evening includes Machu Picchu Pueblo (previously known as Aguas Calientes), where we will enjoy a celebration dinner. Overnight: El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu.Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 10.5 miles.
Day 7: Machu Picchu .- We spend the early part of the morning with our expert guide, for a tour of the mysterious city, its magnificent temples, terraced hillsides, archaeological curiosities, irrigation channels, fountains, elaborate stone work and chambers of unknown purpose. As we listen to the theories about the mysteries of Machu Picchu, we wonder how and why this city was built in such a remote place and what its purpose might have been. Fortunately this outstanding citadel was never discovered by the Spaniards and was spared from destruction. After lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, continue exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, or relax in Aguas Calientes. You may also choose from several additional (unguided) activities such as a moderate hike or run to the Inca Bridge; a more strenuous hike to the 9,500 feet summit of Machu Picchu mountain; or a steep climb to the airy summit of Huayna Picchu at 9,000 feet.
Overnight: El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: Optional distances.
Day 8: Ollantaytambo/Pisac/Cusco .-This morning we board the train to Urubamba. Upon arrival we visit the village of Ollanta and Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of an Inca town. Most of its buildings sit upon Inca walls and the street plan is still the original laid out by its Inca builders. Its stonework, narrow cobbled streets, family courtyards and water system is exactly as it was built in Inca times. You will be able to appreciate the Inca agricultural terraces that create small tiers of fertile land on very steep slopes. After lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we continue by bus to visit the Andean village of Pisac. Our guide takes us through the village to visit its colorful market where extensive selections of colorful weavings, ceramics, sweaters and other handicrafts are sold at bargain prices. The afternoon is free for shopping and enjoying Cusco. Dinner and overnight in Cusco. Overnight: Picoaga Hotel in Cusco. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: Optional distances.
Day 9: cusco Tinqui .- This morning, we are picked up at the hotel for a 2 1/2 hour drive to the trailhead of the Ausangate circuit, in the highland village of Tinqui at 12,400 feet. We enjoy authentic Sunday markets as we drive by the Andean towns of Andahuaylillas, Urcos and Ccauri. We continue to Ocongate before reaching the village of Tinqui. Overnight in a rustic hotel. Overnight: Rustic lodgings in Tinqui. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: None scheduled.
Day 10:tinki Upis .- We start our uphill run crossing the Mapocho River. The terrain turns into open arid grasslands known as puna. Scattered clumps of coarse grasses, collectively called ichu, characterize the treeless puna. This highland grass is used for roof thatch and fodder for grazing llamas and alpacas. We run over rolling hills passing by stone walls and a few thatched houses. The trail continues up toward the north face of Mount Ausangate (20,905'), considered by these highlanders as the sacred Apu "Mountain Spirit." We will run to Huahuayocrumi at 14,765 feet, before descending into Upis at 14,400 feet. We camp by the thermal pools. Overnight: Upis Camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 8 miles.
Day 11: upis Jampa .- We start early this morning crossing the green Upismayo valley, filled with grazing llamas and alpacas. We climb up to Arapa pass at 15,585 feet and descend to Laguna Pucacocha at 15,080 feet. We will have an aid station here. We have excellent views of the surrounding lakes and the glaciated west face of Mount Ausangate. We will continue up the Apacheta pass at 15,750 feet and descend to Lake Ausangatecocha, followed by the highest pass, the Palomani pass at 16,600 feet; with great views of Ausangate (20,905') and Santa Catalina (19,055'). In these high mountains, we might see the giant condor soaring high in the blue skies, and a variety of highland birds like coots, Andean geese, cacaraca, hawks, puna ibis as well as the marmot-like vizcacha and others. These remote mountains areas are also refuges for the vicuña. We descend toward Pampacancha at 14,900 feet, we will have an aid station here. We continue to Uchuy Finaya on the south side of Mount Ausangate and run along the Jampamayo River valley, passing the remote village of Jampa. The views are overwhelming with the glaciers and the snow-capped mountains surrounding us; Colque-Cruz (19,554'), Puca Punta and Tres Picos (19,990'). A short climb brings us to Jampa, our highest camp at 15,500 feet.
Overnight: Jampa Camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 21.5 miles.
Day 12 :jampa Pacchanta .- Today we climb the Campa Pass (16,400'), where we will be surrounded by spectacular views of glaciers and ice covered peaks. Looking down on our trail, we will see Lakes Comercocha and Caycocha. From the pass, we descend to Lake Minaparayoc. A moderate downhill takes us to the village of Pacchanta at 13,950 feet. We will enjoy a specially prepared traditional "pachamanca" dinner feast, prepared in an ancient Quechua method of cooking meat and vegetables underground with heated stones. We camp for the night and enjoy the local hot springs. Overnight: Pacchanta Camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 9.5 miles.
Day 13: Tinqui/Cusco .-Our last day on the circuit we continue to enjoy magnificent alpine scenery, with views of Mount Ausangate and the nearby snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range. We run by the small communities of Cullpacata, Yanama, Mojonpata and Quimsapuccio giving us our last chance to see remote Andean villagers. Herds of llamas, alpacas and their herders, in their colorful traditional clothing, work along the hillsides. Most speak no Spanish, only the ancient Quechua language. After returning to Tinqui we drive back to Cusco. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping and enjoying Cusco. Tonight we'll have our farewell dinner in one of Cusco's finest restaurants. Overnight in Cusco. Overnight: Picoaga Hotel in Cusco. Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 6 miles.
Day 14: Cusco/Lima .- After an early breakfast, transfer to the Cusco airport for the flight to Lima. We will be met at the airport and transferred to a hotel in the residential district of Miraflores, where a day use room is available. After lunch, we are picked up at the hotel and taken on a sightseeing guided city tour of colonial and modern Lima. Highlights include Lima’s Cathedral, government palace in Plaza Mayor, San Francisco monastery, San Isidro, Miraflores and a scenic view of the coastline. Those departing tonight transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flights.
How many years has Inca Land Adventures been in business?
Inca Land Adventures was founded in 2007. We specialize exclusively in peru . Our all-inclusive itineraries provide high quality trips at prices that are unmatched by any other adventure travel company. A claim that we can proudly guarantee!
Why are Inca Land Adventures trips are a lot less expensive than other companies?
Compare us with other companies offering adventure travel, you will find that we charge a lot less for similar programs. We are able to provide these low prices and keep costs down because we plan, organize and operate all our trips directly. We do not use an operator in any of our destinations; that alone saves you at least 30% to 40% of the cost. For the same reason we can also guarantee the quality of our adventures. We do not work with travel agents; therefore no additional cost for commission is added to our prices saving you an additional 15% to 20%. We keep our overhead low, and we carefully control our office and printing expenses. Nevertheless, Andes Adventures never compromises the quality of the trips in any way. We include excellent accommodations, all or most meals, tours & many other extras. Compare our adventures and prices with other well known companies and you will find that our itineraries include much more than comparable trips.
What's included in all Inca Land Adventures trips?
Our packages are all-inclusive and save you in every category. See details below and compare to any other company.
•All airport transfers and ground transportation as scheduled on itinerary.
•All accommodations are based on double occupancy.
•All off-trail accommodations in Perú are in fine hotels. When camping, we use roomy, high quality tents.
•All accommodations are in fine hotels and beautiful historic haciendas.
•All or most meals are included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (B, L, D) Vegetarian meals will be provided upon request in advance.
•All sightseeing tours, including all Park entrance fees on the itinerary.
•Services of professional tour guides/trip leaders.
Items that are not included in our trips: International airfare, internal flights, airport departure taxes, travel insurance (highly recommended), excess baggage fees, passport fees, Chilean reciprocity tax, optional tips to trip leader, guides and local staff, additional hotel nights that may be needed to accommodate your airline schedule, items of personal nature such as: sleeping bag, personal gear, laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc..
What kind of trips does Inca Land Adventures offer?
We are the pioneers in mountain Running Adventures in South America. We operate the finest organized Trekking Adventures and sightseeing Tours in Peru,
What is the difference between a tour and a trekking Adventure?
On our tours you fly, drive, take a train or sail. You stay at fine accommodations. The walking is limited and rated "easy to moderate". Some optional outdoor activities are offered. Tours are generally physically non-demanding.
On our trekking adventures, you will be staying at the same fine accommodations in the cities and on other days you will hike from camp to camp with a light daypack. You will be pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort that is provided in our camps! Porters and pack animals carry all the equipment and our staff takes care of everything while our cook prepares delicious meals. We provide spacious tents, dining tents, toilet tents, hot basin washing water and all camping equipment.
Your running adventures look challenging. How strong a runner do I need to be?
Runners from 18 to 78 have participated in our running adventures. Many have not run a marathon. Some have never run on a trail before, or spent the night in a tent. If you run regularly, can comfortably run 10-15 miles in rolling terrain, and are fit and healthy, you should find our running adventures to be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Our running adventures are for runners of all abilities. Plenty of support is provided on the trail so you can enjoy it at your own pace. Have questions? Give us a call 01 51 84 275973
What is the maximum group size?
Our trekking and tour groups in all Peru Adventures, including Inca Trail are always small - 7 to 16 participants maximum.
Do you arrange Private trips?
Yes, we can arrange Private trips to Peru for individuals, families, clubs, institutions and corporations. Choose any date that fits your group's plans. If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail Trekking Adventure, permits have to be purchased at least 4 to 5 months in advance (depending on time of year) to guarantee the spaces. If you are planning to do the Wonders of Peru Tour without the hike, no permits are required; but if you want to hike to Machu Picchu instead of taking the train, the same advanced registration is required to obtain the permits. Please contact us for more information.
What are the accommodations like?
Our trips include accommodations in first class fine hotels. Many of our itineraries include links to the hotel web sites.
What if I'm traveling alone?
If you are traveling alone and prefer single accommodations you must pay the single supplement. If you are willing to share accommodations, we will try our best to find a roommate and if that is not possible you will pay only 75% of the single supplement cost.
What kind of arrangements will we have on the Inca Trail?
On the Inca Trail in Peru you can expect the most complete support. We provide first-class camping and trekking services by experienced Andean guides, camp and cook staff, assisted by red blue train porters. All meals: Wake up tea, breakfast, lunch, tea meal and dinner. All quality group camping equipment: excellent personal tents, thermarest pads, dining and kitchen tents, tables, camp stools, toilet tents.
What is the food like?
All or most meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of fabulous Peruvian cuisine. We choose the finest restaurants in the cities to give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.
About our trip leaders/guides.
Our experienced local bilingual trip leaders/guides are the key to making each trip a unique adventure and we provide the very best. They have in-depth knowledge of the language, customs, culture and history. They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience. Leaders are detail oriented, making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.
Pre-trip planning.
As soon as you sign up, you will receive detailed pre-departure material, including information on the country, check list of items to bring, insurance application and other information to help you prepare for your trip. Airline tickets and final trip details will be send about a month before departure.
Does Inca Land Adventures offer any group discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for a party of 16 participants reserving at the same time and traveling together. Consult with us on the specific trip that you are considering.
How do I sign up for an Andes Adventures trip?
Send us a completed application and a $400 deposit. A second payment of $600 is due 90 days prior to departure. Full payment must be received 60 days prior to departure.
We recommend you sign up as early as possible. Our group sizes are small and they fill up quickly. New regulations limit the number of people on the Inca Trail. Permits are available only on a first-come, first serve basis. To guarantee your spot on the Inca Trail we recommend that you reserve at least 6 months in advance!
Should I buy travel insurance?
We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, you will receive an application for travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance
Travel Insured offers several types of coverage. We strongly recommend one of the Comprehensive Plans because of the Trip Cancellation benefit. The policy we suggest is the "Worldwide Trip Protector". Plans include a provision to waive the exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions if you purchase the coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
Will I need a visa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to go to Peru . U.S. citizens need a visa to go to Bolivia. Other nationalities do not require a visa. Please consult with us!
What are the penalties for canceling my trip?
Cancellation fees are computed, as of the date we receive your written cancellation notice, as follows
Cancellation Fees For Perú,
•More than 90 days before departure - $200
•89 to 61 days before departure - $300
•60 to 31 days before departure - 50% of selling price
•30 days or less to departure 100% of selling price
Prices
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AND CIRCUIT AROUND MOUNT AUSANGATE 15d/14n 5 night camping
INCA TRAIL ,AUSANGATE RUNNING MARATHON

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* Prices For a Person in US Dollars
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