Adventure Series: International Backpacking

Moderate to Strenuous 26 miles Hiking and High Altitude Backpacking

NOTE: We will schedule several informational and pre-trip meetings for those that sign-up to discuss and organize ourselves for this grand adventure!

The Inca Trail is the classic trek originating from Cusco, taking in an Andean culture, and archaeology set in dramatic mountain scenery, it is a mix of mysterious ancient ruins and the excitement of high Andean landscapes. The trail was a royal Inca highway linking Cusco with the religious citadel of Machu Picchu. The city became lost to the jungle to be rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 24 July 1911. Some of the trail has only been rediscovered in the last two decades. Now you can retrace the steps of the ancient Inca to encounter the splendor of Machu Picchu.

Tentative Agenda:

Day One: Atlanta to Lima, Peru
Day Two: Lima to Cusco: we spend the day here to adjust to the altitude.
Day Three: CUSCO - HUAYLLABAMBA: An early start takes us with tourist bus to Km 82 (8,480 ft) where we collect the porters to commence trekking via Urubamba Valley. From Km 82, we cross the raging Vilcanota River. Walking in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Veronica, we continue the hike stopping for lunch near the Cusichaca River and admiring the Inca ruins at Llactapata. We complete 5 to 6 hours of gentle hiking by reaching the first campsite by the river at Huayllabamba (9,600 ft).L, D.
Day Four: HUAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYO: This second day is the most arduous of our journey. After a nice breakfast, we commence by ascending to Warmihua (13,440 ft). This change of altitude means that we will pass through three separate ecological zones during the day: Quechua, Yunga and Puna (from valleys with trees, through high pasture, to arid grassless are as short of the snowline). The ascent of over 3,840 ft to the first pass earns magnificent views. Descending from this superb vantage point we pass waterfalls before making camp at Pacaymayu (11,360 ft). We complete 7 hours hiking. B, L, D.
Day Five: PACAYMAYU - WIÑAYWAYNA: The day starts with the pass of Runkuracay (12,480 ft) where we see an Inca watchtower. Then we continue to the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (a small maze like ruin built above a sheer cliff) and, passing through a rock tunnel, we reach Phuyupatamarca (City Above The Clouds) (11,520 ft). From this area, we should achieve views of Mt. Salkantay, one of two most sacred peaks to the Incas. The descent down from the third pass (11,840 ft) is by a continuous set of steps (over 2,300 of them), into cloud-forest, to our last campsite. From here, a short walk takes us to the impressive ruins of Wiñaywayna (8,320 ft), curving around a steep valley with walled terraces hugging the contours. The extra relaxation time provided here allows us to recoup our strength to make an early start the next day and maximize the experience of Machu Picchu. We complete 7 hours. B, L, D.
Day Six: WIÑAYWAYNA- MACHUPICCHU : A pre-dawn breakfast allows us to ascend to Intipuncu (the Sun Gate), where we may observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu (7,840 ft). After taking in this memorable view we descend to the ruins for a guided tour, starting well before the crowds arrive by train from Cusco. There should be 6 to 7 hours available to spend in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huaynapicchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas.
Once we finish at Machu Picchu, we board a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes. Here, we will visit and relax in its hot springs - a nice way to end our 4-day trek. At the nearby town of the same name we take the 3:00 or 3:50 pm. train for Cusco. This narrow gauge railway gives a scenic ride through the Urubamba valley. B.
Day Seven: Cusco to Lima
Day Eight: Lima to Atlanta

Cusco, Peru Atlanta Airport Delta is ready when you are!

Are Dogs Permitted? No.

Will this event occur rain or shine? Yes

Inca Trail: USD 475.00 per person

Price includes:
- Private bus Cusco to Km 82 (initial point)-pick up from hotel
- Professional English speaking guide
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail Park and to Machu Picchu
- Cook + assistant
- Meals while in the tour (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 snacks -tea time, 3 dinners, and wake up tea every morning)
- Treated water while on the hike, and warm water every morning to wash
- Equipment: two person tent
- Tent for kitchen, tent for dining, mattresses, camping stools, camping tables and cooking gear, oxygen, First-Aid Kit
- Porters to carry food and equipment. We carry our personal belongings
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Upgrade tourist train return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco – Vistadome
- Transfer from train station to hotel

Price does NOT include:
- Airfare: Atlanta/Lima/Atlanta ($500-$1200) or Lima/Cusco/Lima ($200)
- Hotel expenses ($85-$100/night)
- Airport transfers
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- City tours and hot springs at Aguas Calientes
- Extra porter to carry our baggage 7 -8 kilos (We carry only a day pack)
- Meals not mentioned in program