Machu Picchu Pilgrimage *10 Day* Hike the Inca TrailWalk in the footsteps of the Inca on one of the world\'s oldest pilgrimages, the Inca Trail. The 4-day Inca Trail trek is an exciting, high mountain experience where we climb up to 4200 meters, passing glacier covered peaks and descending into lush, green cloudforest. To acclimatize for our trek, we spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, exploring ruins and bargaining at busy Andean markets. Combine this journey with the Amazon Extension to create the perfect two-week adventure trip, giving you memories of a lifetime!
Day 1 Arrive Lima 
Overnight.
Day 2 Fly to Cusco 
An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas move back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain. The morning is yours to explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's traditional markets talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. Afterwards, you'll head off to the old neighborhood of San Blas and a possible visit to a local artisan's workshop.
Day 3 Cusco Free Day 
Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.
Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas 
The Sacred Valley is an area full of major Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll wind your way past snow-capped mountains, Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-Columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Tonight, relax and sip wine in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo as you prepare for your trek on the Inca Trail.
Days 5-8 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D) 
Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of "Machu Picchu". Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way. On Day 8, the group descends 3,000 feet from their campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Tonight, relax in the village of Aguas Calientes below the ruins.
Trek Details
Day 5 - KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA -- Trek length: 7.5 miles (4-6 hrs) Camp elevation: 9,840 ft
Day 6 - WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYO -- Trek length: 7.5 miles (5-6 hrs) Camp elevation: 12,000 ft. Warmiwanusca pass (13,776 ft)
Day 7 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCA --Trek length: 7 miles (5-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 11,930 ft
Day 8 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU -- Trek length: 8.1 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft
Some itineraries will hike farther on day three and camp at a closer location to Machu Picchu, making the hike on day four shorter. This will be up to the discretion of your Tour Leader and the Peruvian National Park Service. Your Tour Leader will notify you locally of your camping itinerary.
Day 9 Machu Picchu/ Cusco 
Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon
Day 10 Fly to Lima and Return Home
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US$1940
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10 day starting and ending in Lima, Peru. Thu-Sat
Tour Code: MPP10
Single Supplement: US$350
Travel Highlights
Cusco
Sacred Valley
Inca Trail
Machu Picchu
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, buses, train and your own feet on the Inca Trail!
Notes: Roundtrip flight Lima-Cusco-Lima is not included. Please add US$310 (flight cost subject to change).
Tour cost assumes the Inca Trail Entrance is $80. Travelers are responsible for any increase by the national park service.
Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leader/ Guide; porters for camping gear and packs.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$160 for meals not included and drinks, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions. Return visit to Machu Picchu, including bus ride, is $55 US/185 soles
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90
Is it for Me? An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins, a rural pueblo and a vibrant colonial city. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult four-day hike so travelers should be fit.
Arrival / Departure Transfers:
1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person Start Dates
2008 : Jun 5, Jun 16, Jun 22*, Jul 3, Jul 17, Jul 24, Aug 9, Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 25,Oct 16, Oct 23, Nov 8, Nov 11, Dec 13, Dec 18
2009 : Jan 1, Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 23, May 21, Jun 11, Jun 21*, Jul 2, Jul 16, Jul 30, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 15, Dec 17
*Inti Raymi Departure. 11 days - add US$335 for extra day
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
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