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Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca, High-Mountain Hiking Tour
Duration: 12 days
4-12 Travelers: $2545 per person
2-3 Travelers: $2845 per person
Upgrade: +$120 - Flight to Lake Titicaca (Cusco - Juliaca)
Upgrade: +$120 First Class train to Lake Titicaca (Cusco - Puno)
(Trains depart Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only)
This Peru tour offers an invigorating high-mountain hiking opportunity, trekking the Inca Trail to the legendary hidden city of Machu Picchu and visiting legendary Lake Titicaca. Our Peru travel begins with a visit to Cusco and the Sacred Valley followed by the most famous of Peru hiking tours, the Inca Trail. Then, travel to 12,500 feet above sea level to explore the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, one of the Peruvian Andes' most impressive natural wonders. Explore these fascinating sites with the help of experienced guides who share their vast knowledge of the Andes.
If your schedule is inflexible, perhaps you'd prefer a private departures which we'd be happy to talk to you about.
Itinerary Details for Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca Tour
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Day 1 (Wed) LIMA
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The excitement of our Peru tour begins as we pick you up at Lima International Airport and help with hotel check-in on arrival in the capital city. Southern Explorations can arrange city tours, museum visits or sightseeing excursions matching your interests if you arrive early.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Thu) LIMA - CUSCO
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Your day begins with a morning flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' Peru tour guides pick you up at the airport for a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza de Armas. From there, you will be taken to your hotel for a free day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
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Day 3 (Fri) CUSCO
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The morning begins with a guided walking tour of Cusco markets, the colonial cathedral, and Koricancha, the famed Temple of the Sun. After lunch, your Peru tour continues, visiting temples and other Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuamán with its grand stone terraces; the carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars of Kenko; the small fortress of Puka Pukara, protector of the royal capital, and the water temple of Tambo Machay. An evening orientation session prepares you for the upcoming trek. (B)
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Day 4 (Sat) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
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Embark upon a day-long guided excursion as our Peru tour takes us to the snowcapped mountains to the timeless Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll observe Inca terracing that climbs the steep valley walls, the ruined temples of Pisac and panoramic views of jagged granite mountains. Get acquainted with the local culture of Pisac, home to one of the best textile markets in the Andes. After lunch, you'll travel on to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Overnight at an Ollantaytambo hotel. (B)
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Day 5 (Sun) SACRED VALLEY - PAUCARCANCHA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
This action-packed day of our Peru tour begins with a transfer to the train station for the picturesque trip to Aquas Calientes. We will catch the bus to Km 82, where you begin the Inca Trail trek. After meeting our porters, you cross the Urubamba River by bridge and continue along the river with views of the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica (18,745 ft). Traveling through the narrow Cusichaca valley, you'll see vestiges of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later, pass through the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft), before stopping to camp in the archaeological zone of Paucarcancha. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
5.62 miles | 6 Hours
Altitude:
from 8,910 ft to 9600 ft.
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Day 6 (Mon) PAUCARCANCHA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Today see some of the most spectacular scenery Peru has to offer, including a cloud forest that contains the rare Queñua tree. Our Peru tour continues as the trail ascends steeply before reaching a large area of pampas below the first pass. Camp overnight at Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft), with a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
4.37 miles | 5 Hours
Altitude:
from 9,600 ft. to 12,700 ft.
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Day 7 (Tue) LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PHUYUPATAMARCA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Physically, this is the most strenuous day of the trek, as the trail ascends steeply toward Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft). From there, the trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past the ruins of Runkuraqay. Another pass takes you from Runkuraqay to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft). Along the way, you'll see some advanced Inca engineering before coming upon the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft), your camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.75 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 12,700 ft to the pass 13920 ft. and to over night at 11850 ft.
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Day 8 (Wed) PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU
View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery
From Phuyupatamarca, you follow the flagstone trail that winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft). Wiñay Wayna is located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca and contains well-restored Inca ruins. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest along the Inca Trail, you at last come to a highlight of our Peru tour: Machu Picchu (7,800 ft), entering through Intipuku, the Sun Gate. After a brief tour, stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.12 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 11,850 ft to 8040 ft. (in Machupicchu)
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Day 9 (Thu) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHERO ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO
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Dedicate your morning to exploring extraordinary Machu Picchu by waking up early to catch sunrise over the ruins. The remainder of the day holds various opportunities for your own exploration, including a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, up to the Sun Gate, or through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. The afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you are transferred to the vibrant Chinchero Market. Here local artisans will give you an introduction to their textile creations, known to be among the best in Peru. Take advantage of this last-minute shopping opportunity before returning to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (B)
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Day 10 (Fri) CUSCO - LAKE TITICACA
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Embark by bus over the altiplano (high plains). Here our Peru tour consists of a full day of high altitude views as we reach the community of Puno, along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to your hotel. (B)
Travel Cusco - Puno, via bus at no extra charge.
Upgrade: +$120 - Flight to Lake Titicaca (Cusco - Juliaca)
Upgrade: +$120 First Class train to Lake Titicaca (Cusco - Puno)
(Trains depart Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only)
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Day 11 (Sat) LAKE TITICACA
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In the morning, take a short drive to Puno harbor to travel by boat to the famed floating Uros islands for a quick visit. Continue the journey by boat to tranquil Taquile Island, where a community of male weavers and spinners lives and works in a Mediterranean-like setting. In the late afternoon, return to Puno for shopping and sightseeing. Puno is a great place to buy alpaca wear, so don't hesitate to pick up some souvenirs from your Peru tour. (B, L)
Lake Titicaca, the cradle of Inca civilization, is the largest fresh water lake on the South American continent, extending from southeastern Peru to western Bolivia. The lake is 122 miles long with an average width of 35 miles, so large that it has waves. At so high an altitude and the lake's frigid waters do not invite swimming. Fed by the Andes, this remnant of an ancient inland sea is appreciated by photographers but not swimmers. Bring your camera to photograph this gorgeous natural wonder from your Peru tour, but leave your swim trunks behind.
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Day 12 (Sun) LAKE TITICACA - LIMA - RETURN HOME
Your morning is free to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before an excursion to the outskirts of Puno. Here our historical Peru tour takes us to see the ruins of some pre-Inca funerary towers called chullpas. The finest are located at Sillustani on a peninsula in Lake Umayo. The warrior Colla tribe buried their elite in these giant cylindrical tombs, some as tall as 40 ft. Many archeologists and historians consider the Collas' exquisite stonemasonry more complex and superior even to Inca engineering. After exploring the area, you'll travel from Puno back to Lima, arriving in the late afternoon to make your connecting international flight which marks the end of Southern Explorations services. (B)
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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Inca Trail Trip Notes
Inca Trail regulations limit the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail to 500 people each day. Permits are given on a "first-come, first-serve" basis only, so booking early is essential. If you're considering booking an Inca Trail tour between May and October Southern Explorations require your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately.
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Details about hiking the Inca Trail
The Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Peru Tours consist of five to six hours of hiking per day. Plenty of time is allowed for you to set your own pace. You are expected to carry only a small daypack with your camera, spare film, water bottle, and rain gear. Porters carry additional clothing, personal effects, and the camping equipment. All trekkers are provided with a North Face tent and air mattress sleeping pad. Free from the weight of a large pack, you have more time for photography, observation, and exciting discovery on this Inca Trail Peru tour.
You will awake early in the morning to a fresh cup of tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for washing. Expert trail cooks, with years of experience, will prepare your meals using fresh vegetables, beef, and chicken. Vegetarian offerings are also available.
Trekking begins around 8am and most of the day's distances are covered before lunchtime. We aim to arrive at the campsite by mid - afternoon, giving you plenty of time to unpack for the night and to enjoy your surroundings. You have ample time to walk at your own pace and take in the fascinating surroundings. This Inca Trail Hike is a trekker's dream.
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
TOURS AND TRAVEL
CONTACT US
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1.877.784.5400
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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Wednesday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
August
Contact Us!
September
Contact Us!
October
8-19
November
5-16
December
10-21
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Wednesday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
January
7-18
February
Trail closed
March
18-29
April
04/22-03/03
May
05/27-06/07
June
06/24-07/05
July
07/22-08/02
August
19-30
September
09/23-10/04
October
10/21-11/01
November
11/25-12/06
December
16-27
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers in private Van
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- Entrance fees for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear
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- North Face tents - three person
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- Air mattresses
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- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent
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- Hot water in the morning for washing
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- Drinking water through out the trek
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- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle
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- Satellite Phone Communication
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $295 (Lima/Cusco/Juliaca/Lima)
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Sleeping bag
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Inca Trail & Lake Posada Amazonas Accommodation:
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6 nights hotels
3 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $515
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
)
Duration: 12 days)
This action-packed day of our Peru tour begins with a transfer to the train station for the picturesque trip to Aquas Calientes. We will catch the bus to Km 82, where you begin the Inca Trail trek. After meeting our porters, you cross the Urubamba River by bridge and continue along the river with views of the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica (18,745 ft). Traveling through the narrow Cusichaca valley, you'll see vestiges of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later, pass through the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft), before stopping to camp in the archaeological zone of Paucarcancha. (B,L,D)
)
From Phuyupatamarca, you follow the flagstone trail that winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft). Wiñay Wayna is located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca and contains well-restored Inca ruins. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest along the Inca Trail, you at last come to a highlight of our Peru tour: Machu Picchu (7,800 ft), entering through Intipuku, the Sun Gate. After a brief tour, stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
)
In the morning, take a short drive to Puno harbor to travel by boat to the famed floating Uros islands for a quick visit. Continue the journey by boat to tranquil Taquile Island, where a community of male weavers and spinners lives and works in a Mediterranean-like setting. In the late afternoon, return to Puno for shopping and sightseeing. Puno is a great place to buy alpaca wear, so don't hesitate to pick up some souvenirs from your Peru tour. (B, L)
