The Inca Trail
For those keen on trekking, a hike along Peru?s ancient Inca pathways is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of their time in the Andes. Many of Peregrine?s trips feature a hike along these Inca trails which culminate in a visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Peregrine uses two Inca Trail routes ? the Classic Trail and the Lares Trail. The Classic Trail is our standard trek. However, the Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for this route. These permits must be issued in each trekkers name along with their passport details and can often be sold out months in advance. We will do our best to obtain these permits but if we are unable to do so, Peregrine will use the Lares Trail. This trail is an exceptional alternative; it reaches similar altitudes, takes us to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, has the same level of difficulty as the Classic Trail but also ventures further off the beaten track. The Classic Trail is closed throughout February. During this time we will use the Lares route. A day-by-day description of each trekking route follows:
Classic Trail
dAy 1 ? yUncAchimpA (13km) From Cusco, we travel by bus to the starting point of our trek at Kilometre 82. Crossing the Urubamba River we have a relatively easy hike today to our camp near the village of Wayllabamba (3100m). Along the way we enjoy archaeological sites and stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak (5860m). dAy 2 ? pAcAymAyo (11km) This is the most difficult day of the trek, climbing to the highest point at Dead Woman?s Pass at 4200 metres. At the top, the trail becomes stone pathways and steps, as we descend to our campsite at Pacaymayo (3600m). dAy 3 ? WinAyWAynA (15km) Lots of amazing ruins today as we descend to the ?second? and ?third? passes where we enter the N Machu Picchu Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Winaywayna Aguas Calientes Phuyupatamarka The Lares Trail The Classic Trail Rio Urubamba River Railway line Campsite Archeological site 2nd Pass PERU Rio Urubamba River Pacaymayo beautiful cloud-forest, full of orchids, ferns, flowers and hanging moss. The air is clean and pure as we head to Winaywayna (2450m), and butterflies flutter across the trail. dAy 4 ? mAchU picchU & cUsco (5km) Arriving at sunrise at Inti Punku, the ?Gateway of the Sun?, we look through the rectangular doorway to a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel, hours before the crowds arrive. The secrets of the Incas are slowly revealed on a guided tour before descending to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes and our afternoon train back to Cusco.
Lares Trail
dAy 1 ? concAny (8km) From Cusco we cross the mountain range and descend by bus to the spectacular Sacred Valley. We follow the banks of the Urubamba River before turning northward for a steep climb to the Lares hot springs. We enjoy lunch and a soak in the hot springs before commencing our trek. We trek to a height of 3940 metres, before descending to the Queullacocha lagoons. There are opportunities to spot some of the Andean wildlife of the region and from Concany we have magnificent views of Mount Colque Cruz (5960m). dAy 2 ? epsAycochA lAKe (11km) There are amazing photo opportunities today as we climb up the valley, through ancient farmlands to the community of Huacawasi, where some of the finest weavings in Peru are made, including the colourful poncho. We continue on to Ipasayqocha, the highest pass on our trek at 4350 metres. From here, we have a stunning view of Mount Veronica (5750m). Descending 1st Pass (Warminwanusca) Yunkachimpa Wayllabamba Km 82 Continue by train to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu Ollantaytambo gently we come to the beautiful turquoise Epsaycocha Lake, where we camp for the night. dAy 3 ? AGUAs cAlientes (13km) Our trail leads to the village of Willoc and on to Pumamarka where we enjoy the Inca terraces before arriving at the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. Situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world and displays the sophisticated urban planning and engineering skills of the Incas. In the late afternoon we board the train to Aguas Calientes. dAy 4 ? mAchU picchU & cUsco We arrive at the entrance into the archaeological sight of Machu Picchu well before the crowds from Cusco. Here, we have a fully guided tour of this ancient and mystical Inca city. Later, there is free time to explore the ruins at our own pace. For the adventurous, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu to see Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. You can also make the short hike up to the Sun Gate to capture that classic photo of Machu Picchu. We then descend the mountain to catch the train back to Cusco. Note: Quality tents and mattresses are provided on the camping portion of your trek. You will also be provided with one of our Peregrine trek kits which includes a quality sleeping bag. Porters are provided throughout the trek. B o o K e A R ly ! In order to secure your group?s permits for the trail we ask that you book as early as possible. We will need your deposit and your passport details at the time of booking. Sacsallaully Pass Auroray Lagoon Yanahuara Mantanay Rio Urubamba River Lares Hot Springs Tambowaylla Huacawasi Lares From Cusco the spirit of adventure // 97
