Travel to Peru: Inca Trail Express (KM104)

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Inca Trail Express (KM104)

			DAYS: 2 GRADE: II-III, Strenuous Hiking define HIGHLIGHTS: Machu Picchu Inca Trail ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

This hike on Inca Trail supplies the best experience of the traditional 4-day Inca Trail Trek along the final stretch of the trail. Disembark with the guide from the scenic train at Km. 104 trail head where the hike 6 hours up to Cacahbamba ruins begins. Explore the impressive site of Wiay Wayna, with its finely constructed terraces, waterworks and baths. Traverse the hillside on the stone pathway through the beautiful cloud forest to the Intipunku, the ancient Inca trail portal that leads to Machu Picchu. Experience the breathtaking panorama, and then walk down into the spectacular Inca citadel. Overnight in a local hotel near the ruins. The next morning be among the first ones to arrive at this magnificent site for a private guided tour.

DAY 1 :  INCA TRAIL EXPRESSES

The first day begins with boarding a train which runs along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The cloud forest envelopes the hills around the train as the tracks run into a narrowing valley leading to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After disembarking, hike across a hanging bridge at Km. 104 where the 6 hour switchback ascent up to the Chachabamba site begins. A slow ascent on a smooth dirt trail to the impressive archaeological site of Wiay Wayna (2650m), one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, begins the trek. The site is perched on a steep cloud forest ridge with finely constructed terraces, waterworks, and baths. This segment presents spectacular views of the valley below, surrounded by the verdant cloud forest.  As the path progresses it passes waterfalls and forests filled with wild orchids and myriad species of birdlife.  Two more hours of hiking through beautiful cloud forest brings you to the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun), the ancient Inca portal into Machu Picchu at 2430m. Experience the breathtaking scenery before trekking into the spectacular Inca citadel, then proceeding to the hotel. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Inn. [BL]

DAY 2 :  MACHU PICCHU

Be among the first to arrive at the most spectacular archaeological monument in the Andes. The guide will lead a private tour through this magnificent site. Explore the dozens of rooms and temples at Machu Picchu on your own, and hike up the stone stairway to the top of Huayna Picchu, the breathtaking peak that overlooks Machu Picchu. In the afternoon return by train back to Cusco, then transfer to a overnight stay at the Hotel Picoaga or similar.   [Optional upgrade at extra cost to El Monasterio, a restored 400-year old former monastery, or Hotel Libertador, both of which are luxurious colonial-style hotels] [BL]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Breanne Stovall 1(800)345-4453