| Starts | Cusco, Peru |
|---|
| Ends | Cusco, Peru |
|---|
| Region | South America |
|---|
| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
|---|
| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
|---|
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Cusco & Finishing: Cusco
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 - Starting: Cusco & Finishing: Urubamba
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only), and the small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Take a guided tour of the large ruin site adjacent to the town. Ollantaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu.
Day 3 - Starting: Ollantaytambo & Finishing: Wayllabamba Camp
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Instructions
A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Day 4 - Starting: Wayllabamba Camp & Finishing: Paqaymayo Camp
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Day 5 - Starting: Paqaymayo Camp & Finishing: Phuyupatamarca
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "Town Above the Clouds." Camp here or go 1.5 hrs further along, near the Wiñay Wayna ruins (Forever Young) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 6 - Starting: Phuyupatamarca & Finishing: Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp before visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon. After head down to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing overnight.
Day 7 - Starting: Aguas Calientes & Finishing: Cusco
From Aguas Calientes, take the bus to Machu Picchu early the next morning for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, there will be free time to explore on your own or to visit the Inca Bridge nearby (about a 15 minute walk each way). Catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco.
Day 8 - Starting: Cusco & Finishing: Cusco
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour with visit to a G Adventures-supported women’s weaving project (full-day). Lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village. Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days). Included sleeping bag, mattress and amenities kit for Inca Trail trek. 3 person tent for 2 people. G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail. 2 entrances to Machu Picchu. A guided tour of Machu Picchu. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
My Own Room
Nights 3-5: Inca Trail
About Accommodation
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFERÂ
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.Â
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Office Cusco, Peru.
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-6pm Local Time): + 51 84 22 62 18.
After hours emergency number: +51 984 705 722 or 984-705-722 (from within Cusco)
G Adventures Office Lima, Peru.
During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)
After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712,
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Checklist
-Documents
-Passport
-Insurance info
-Flight info
-Cash, credit and debit cards
-Vouchers and pre-departure information
-Required visas or vaccination certificates
-Sleeping bag (also available for hire)
-Weather-appropriate clothing
-Windproof/waterproof jacket
-Rain poncho
-Warm clothing
-Fleece jacket or warm layer
-Long trousers
-Hiking pants/track pants
-Shorts/skirts
-Shirts/T-shirts
-Hiking long sleeve shirt
-Thermal underwear
-Socks
-Knee-high socks
-Warm gloves
-Warm hat
– Small towel and swim wear
-Waterproof hiking boots
-Hiking boots/Sturdy walking shoes
-Sturdy walking shoes
-Flip flops/sandals
-Sun hat/Bandana
-Sunblock
-Sunglasses
-Headlamp
-Money belt
-Toiletries
-Watch and alarm clock
-First-aid kit
-Rehydration powder
-Insect Repellent
– Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Insect Repellent
-Moneybelt
-Pocketknife
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
-Ear plugs
-Plastic bags
-Walking poles (Optional, must be rubber-tipped)
Hiking equipment is available to rent locally if desired (prices subject to change):
-Walking pole 15 soles each (30 per pair)
-Sleeping bag 45 soles
-Air mattress 45 soles
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Local Guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Cusco:
Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $25 (half ticket) $46 (full ticket)
City tour $15-20
Inka Museum $3.5 entrance
Museo de Historia Regional entrance with Boleto Turistico
All prices are per person in US dollar amounts
(unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
Huayna Picchu: Whilst we appreciate that this hike may be promoted by others, at this time we cannot verify that this hike meets G Adventures minimum safety standards. For this reason, we do not include the Huayna Picchu hike in any of our itineraries, and our CEO’s and support staff are prohibited from providing advice or assistance with booking this activity.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Group Leader
G Representatives in Cusco, specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike
Meal Budget
Allow USD135-175 for meals not included.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Day 7 Optional Activities
Day 7 Optional Activities
Day 7 Optional Activities
