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Begin your once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas with a morning trip to km 82, where our hike starts. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. The rejuvenating morning sun is incomparable, and the dramatic heights are something very few get to see in their lifetime. Small villages mark the way, as well as canals that tell the story of the Inca past. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sun set over Machu Picchu before touring the famous Inca ruins.
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Activities |
Hotel |
Day 1
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
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- Inca Trail: Package - Day 1 - Sacred Valley to Wayllabamba - Guide
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Inca Trail (B,L,D)
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Day 2
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
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- Package - Inca Trail Day 2 - Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo - Guide
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Inca Trail (B,L,D)
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Day 3
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
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- Package - Inca Tail Day 3 - Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna - Guide
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Inca Trail (B,L,D)
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Day 4
Inca Trail - Cusco
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- Package - Inca Trail Day 4 - Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu (overnight Aguas Calientes) - Guide
- Machu Picchu: Transfer - Aguas Calientes Bus - S.I.B
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Novotel (B)
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| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
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Trip Options
In an effort to preserve and protect the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian governing bodies have taken drastic measures in the past few years to limit the amount of people hiking the Trail. Kensington Tours works within the framework of these regulations in order to properly protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. As of March 2004, no more than 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed on the Inca Trail and this number is strictly adhered to. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid. Once paid the Inca Trail permit is 100% non refundable. Bookings made 90 days or more before the Inca Trail portion typically proceed without any issue, if clients enter their personal and passport information correctly on their tour website. Bookings less than 90 days before the Inca Trail portion of any tour will be taken on a request basis.
Please Note: The passport number and name that is entered on the website, will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the check point at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, then you will be subject to delay, fine, and/or cancellation of admission to the Inca Trail.
Should the Inca Trail portion of any tour be denied, the following three alternatives will be offered:
1. Hike the Lares Trek route through the Sacred Valley, a fascinating and challenging 4-day, 3-night trip ending in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This trek takes in much of the Inca's most sacred and important countryside and many monuments. All transportation, accommodation, guide services etc. will be included.
2. Spend two nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
3. Cancel or change the trip without penalty
If changes to the current government policy affect our ability to provide access to the advertised itinerary including the Inca Trail, we will endeavor to provide clients with the best options and customer service available.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu Early transfer from Sacred Valley hotel drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located at km82 where you begin the Inca Trail. Cross the bridge over the Urubamba river and walk along the Sacred Valley. Arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), your first look out point. Continue trek along the valley, hike for about 5 hours until reaching the small community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where you camp the first night. Distance covered 12km estimated walking time 5-7 hours. Max. Altitude 3000m/9840ft. Camping under the stars in the Peruvian wilderness. Includes Tent, mat, and assembly. Most commonly refers to a 1-3 day trek to Machu Picchu, however, in antiquity the Inca road system covered approximately 22,500 km (14,000 mi) and provided access to over three million km² of territory. Among the many roads and trails constructed in pre-Columbian South America, the Inca road system (El Camino Inca) of Peru was the most extensive. Traversing the Andes mountains and reaching heights of over 5,000 m (16,500 feet) above sea level, the trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south.
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 Machu Picchu |
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Day 2
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu Wake up 6:00am. Following breakfast begin the most difficult portion of the trek, a steep, arid ascent stretching for 9 km. On the way to the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass 4200m/13776ft) see domesticated llamas and alpacas. Cross a portion of the cloud forest. Daypacks should be stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves to keep sugar levels high, and help with altitude sickness. After the pass descend to Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft) where we camp after approx. 7h of hiking. Overnight at Inca Trail. For most visitors, the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the highlight of their visit. Revealed to the Western world by the American Hiram Bingham on July 24 1911, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, it is probably the most important archaeological site in South America and requires at least one day to explore fully. Buried beneath jungle vegetation for centuries, excavations revealed a myriad of staircases, terraces, temples, palaces, towers and fountains. Highlights of the site include the ceremonial baths, the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana, or carved rock pillar used by Inca astronomers to predict the solstices. A 30-minute walk south from the main complex takes the visitor to the Inca Bridge, carved into the vertiginous cliff face. Climb the peak of Huayna Picchu that towers over the city and from the summit, it is a breathtaking experience to watch the mist roll back to reveal the architectural marvels of the Inca citadel.
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Day 3
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu The longest most impressive portion of the trail. See several ruins and the lush cloud forest. From Pacamayo climb to Abra Runkurakay pass 3970m/13022ft.Continue up an easy climb arrive at Abra Phuyupatamarca pass 3700m/12136ft. Trek down long descending stone steps that lead to Winaywayna 2650m/8692ft, an impressive Inka complex. Camp at a trekker's lodge where you can take a shower. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Distance 16km, approx. 8 hrs. Max. altitude 3900m/12792ft. Camp at 2650m/8692ft. Overnight at Inca Trail.
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Day 4
Inca Trail - Cusco Rise at 4am and climb to Intipunko or the Sun Gate. Distance 4km, walking time approx. 2hrs. Max. altitude is 2700m/8829ft.. Weather permitting see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Descend into Machu Picchu and complete a guided tour of the site, approx. 2 hrs. Enjoy free time to explore and possibly climb Huayana Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, go to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy a dip in the hot springs and check-in to the hotel for the evening. The following morning will be at leisure, visit the town of Aguas Calientes or take a trip back to Machu Picchu (not included), the choice is yours. In the afternoon take the train back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel after nightfall. For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. The Novotel Cusco is located in the heart of this old town. The 99 rooms are housed in a converted 16th century building which carries an enchanting allure. Rooms offer views to the courtyard, plus spaciousness and comfortable beds. Dine a la carte style or buffet style, and enjoy the range of native specialties accompanied by world-renowned dishes. All the local hangouts are in walking distance, including a host of restaurants and bars. Historical sites and monuments are also nearby, including the Plaza de Armas. Otherwise, spend time lounging in the courtyard or atrium and meet other friendly travelers. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100), The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.
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 Cusco |
 Novotel Cusco |
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Trip Includes
Transfer to km 82- Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fee - Personal tent 2 ppl/tent- 1 Inflatable pad, sleeping bag with liner & pillow per person - Dining & Kitchen tents -Toilet tent (if not available at camp)- English speaking professional guide-Chef-Porters- Indicated meals- Hot water for washing - Boiled water for drinking -First-aid kit - Bus tkt Machu Picchu to Aguas- Train tkt Aguas to Cusco -Hotel Transfer
Trip Excludes
Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Laundry - Tips - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages including mineral water - Airport departure tax - International airfare - Visas - Optional activities/extras - Vacation insurance (purchase at www.kensingtontours.com/insurance.cfm )
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- The price shown is per person, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.
- Cancellation - Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund, less the cost of the Inca Trail permits. 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit ($750/£500 per person). Cancellation less than 59 days will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms.cfm
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