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Severe flooding and landslides in the Machu Picchu region in January have damaged the rail line between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) thus removing the only effective means of access to the Inca Citadel.

Trains on the Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes route have been suspended since the end of January. Repairs to the road and rail access are advancing on schedule and it is expected that Machu Picchu will re-open to the public from the beginning of April. Although Machu Picchu will not be accessible until then, the Sacred Valley, Cuzco and the Colca Canyon in Southern Peru are open for visitors as well as of course Northern Peruvian sites which were not at all affected by the weather.

Although Machu Picchu is one of the most popular and world-renowned Peruvian destinations, there is a lot more to Peru than the Inca Citadel and we invite and encourage you to discover the numerous other archaeological sites that the country has to offer.

Inca Trail
(Tourist/Backpacker & Tourist/Superior)

One of the most famous treks in the world where nature and history culminate
at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Due to restrictions on the number of people allowed to use the Inca Trail, we recommend that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the Tourist/Backpacker Inca Trail offers a lesser degree of support and comfort than the Tourist/Superior. We therefore recommend the Tourist/Superior trek for a better enjoyment of the trail.

Recommended time: March to November
Daily departures (except in February when closed)

Inca Trail
Tourist/Backpacker

Day 1 Cuzco – Wayllabamba
Early in the morning you will be picked up at your centrally located hotel and transferred by bus to Piskacuchu (2,700 metres above sea level), a community located on the 82nd Km of the Cuzco – Machu Picchu railroad.  Starting at this point, you will cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley.  Following the trail along a flat terrain, arrive in Miskay (2,800 metres above sea level) to then ascend and finally see the Inca city of Patallacta.  Continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until reaching the first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3,000 metres above sea level).  Along the way, weather permitting, you will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5,832 meters above sea level.  (Lunch and Dinner).

Day 2 Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
Early rise (approximately 06:00 hours) to start the most difficult part of the trek which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 Kms. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation).  On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass), you will have the possibility to see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude.  You will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear.  We recommend that on this day, your pack is well stocked with sweets/chocolate and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with altitude sickness.  Immediately after the pass you will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 metres above sea level) where you will camp (total hiking/trekking approx. 6 hours).  (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Day 3 Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that you will pass.  From Pacaymayo you will climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3,970 metres above sea level).  Half way up, you will visit the archaeological complex with the same name.  This site consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.  After going over the pass, descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624 metres above sea level).  This is an interesting complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.  Continuing up an easy climb, you will arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 metres above sea level).  Along this climb you will be able to appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order.  Pass through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name.  This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain.  From above one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which you will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2,700 metres above sea level).  Camp not far from the Wiñaywayna impressive complex which is made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.  (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Day 4 Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
Very early morning start (approximately 04:00 hours) to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku also known as the Sun Gate.  This will take approximately 1 hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle.  From this spot, weather permitting, you will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.  From Intipunku descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later you will enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨.  Guided tour of the Inca citadel (approximately 2 hours).  There will be time afterwards, if you so wish, to climb up Huayna Picchu from where you can have impressive views of all of Machu Picchu or visit the Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge.  In the afternoon, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes and from there return to Cuzco by train and/or bus.  (Breakfast).

Price per person: (British Pounds) £310 / Single Supplement: £30
Please note that the Inca Trail closes in the month of February
(Meals, equipment, porter - for camping equipment/additional cost for personal equipment - and guide services included during the trek)

Inca Trail
Tourist/Superior

Day 1 Cuzco – Llulluchapampa
Morning transfer from your hotel to Km 88 where you will start your trek on the Inca Trail.  Arrive to Llulluchapampa for overnight.  (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2 Warmihuañusca - Sayacmarca
Walk to the Warmihuañusca pass (4,050 metres above sea level) then to the Runkurakay Ruins.  Continue to the Sayacmarca ruins for camping and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Day 3 Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
From here the stone road will take you into the jungle.  Continue the trek towards the Phuyupatamarca ruins.  The path then continues down to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, the most important after Machu Picchu.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Very early in the morning you cross the last pass at Intipunku to arrive at Machu Picchu.  Visit of the Inca citadel.  Return transfer to Cuzco in the late afternoon. (Breakfast)

Price per person: (British Pounds) £480 / Single Supplement: £35
Please note that the Inca Trail closes in the month of February
(Meals, equipment, porter - for camping equipment and personal equipment (up to 5 Kgs) - and guide services included during the trek)

Prices based on Regular departures (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Please enquire for private departures.

Please enquire for optional overnight stay in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) as well as for pre-post stays in Cuzco.

Pictures courtesy of Promperu

Austral Tours Ltd: 20 Upper Tachbrook Street
London SW1V 1SH - United Kingdom
Tel. +44(0)20-7233 5384 / Fax +44(0)20-7233 5385
Email: info@latinamerica.co.uk

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