Travel to Peru: Inca Trail Express (KM104)

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Inca Trail Express (KM104)

DAY 1 :  HIKING THE INCA TRAIL

Board the train to the trail head for KM104, enjoying beautiful vistas of the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As the valley narrows into a steep canyon, the cloud forest envelops the hills and you enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Disembark and cross a hanging bridge at Km. 104 where you begin the approximately 6-hour switchback ascent up to the Chachabamba site at 2,200 meters. Begin a slow ascent on a smooth dirt trail to the impressive archaeological site of Winay Wayna (2,650m), one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail, perched on a steep ridge with finely constructed terraces, waterworks and baths. This segment presents spectacular views of the valley below, surrounded by verdant cloud forest.  The path passes waterfalls and forests filled with wild orchids and myriad species of birdlife.  Two more hours of hiking through beautiful cloud forest takes you to the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun), the ancient Inca portal into Machu Picchu at 2,430m. Experience the breathtaking panorama overlook before walking down into the spectacular Inca citadel and proceeding to the hotel. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. [BL]

DAY 2 :  MACHU PICCHU

Rise early to be among the first to arrive at the most spectacular archaeological monument in the Andes. Your guide will accompany you on a private tour through this magnificent site. You'll then have time to 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. Catch the afternoon train back to Cusco and transfer for an overnight 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]

Note: Peruvian Inca Trail regulations limit the number of people allowed on the trail each day. Permits are given on a "first-come, first-served" basis only, so booking early is essential. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the KM104 portion of the Inca Trail, we require your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately. Permit fees of $55 per person must be paid at the time of confirmation and are fully NON-REFUNDABLE.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kirsten Gardner 1(800)345-4453