Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Horseback, Mountain bike, and Hike - a multisport adventure in Peru

June 10-18, 2012, September 8-16, 2012

Hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu should be on everyone's "Must Do" list. Few hikes in the world can offer such variety of scenery, staggering views, and such a mix of jungle and high sierra. Plus, porters will carry our gear for this four day journey to Machu Picchu. This is our nine day version of this classic trip. From the Sun Gate, we enter Machu Picchu, perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the ruins discovered in the 20th century. Step back in time and decide for yourself what is truth and what is legend in this Lost City of the Incas.

The Outdoor Adventure Club is proud to offer this extraordinary cultural and exciting adventure. Please join us.

If the Incas were the Romans of pre-Columbian America, Cusco was their Rome. The Incas built a vast empire that stretched from modern Ecuador and Colombia to southern Chile. The empire, much larger in size than any previous new world empire, was called Tawantinsuyo- the "Four Quarters of theEarth.” Cusco was the heart of their empire, and its exact center was considered to be the main square of the city. Cusco will serve as our base city during this 9 day multi sport adventure in Peru. Come explore Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Peruvian countryside on this cultural and adventure-filled journey.

Itinerary
Day 1-Arrive in Cusco, Peru.

We suggest arriving after 11:00 AM on Day 1.  This usually requires departing from North America the previous day. Please be sure we have your flight information. We'lll meet you at the airport in Cusco. You will be taken to the Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection, a luxurious hotel in a renovated 18th century manor house just 3 blocks from Cusco's historic central plaza.
The hotel has a gourmet restaurant and is known as the "best breakfast in Cusco". After resting from your trip, acclimatizing to the 11,000 foot altitude and exploring a bit of Cusco we will gather for a Happy Hour trip briefing. The first evening the group is free to dine in any of Cusco's amazing restaurants. (no meals included)

Cusco is a thriving marketplace where goods and services of all kinds tempt the eye and the pocketbook. The city has an impact on all the senses: sounds greet the ears and the aromas of spicy local kitchens tantalize the nose. The colorful locals draw our attention as they display their wares and remain in their native Quechua dress. Merchants smile and make a sale with characteristic cheerfulness. A good place to take it all in is the central "Plaza De Armas", where on the second floor balconied terraces of the many restaurants, you can enjoy a beer or a cool drink and see the action from above.

Day 2-Horseback riding

(Horseback riding is optional if you're not interested)

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel we will pick you up and transfer to the south of Cusco where our well trained horses are waiting for us. Our goal is to visit the 4 main archeological sites surrounding Cusco – namely, Sacsayhuaman, Qenco, Puca Pucara & Tambomachay. Going by horseback allows us to get off the busy roads and away from tourist buses. Along the way we take in the Peruvian countryside, enjoy spectacular views of the high Andean snow capped peaks, and get a true sense of how people are living in the foothills of Cusco. The tour is 3 - 4 hours and during this time we spend plenty of time on foot exploring the Inca ruins with our knowledgeable guide. Perfect for first time wranglers, and if horseback riding is not your cup of tea, walking and/or driving options are available. Overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel. (Breakfast and Snacks Included.)

Day 3-Mountain biking into the Sacred Valley

(Mountain biking is optional if you're not interested)

Mountain biking is the perfect active way to see the Peruvian countryside and have some fun at the same time! We have front suspension 2010 Marin mountain bikes and the ride can be tailored to all ability levels. We begin our biking adventure pedaling along the shore of the beautiful highland Lake Huaypo. We then begin our downhill cruise at the town of Maras (elev.: 3,500 meters - 11,090 feet) and then continue descending, passing by the archaeological site of Moray – once an important agricultural experimental center. During the ride you will have ample time to take in the beautiful Andean landscape – including impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of La Verónica (elev. 5,682 meters -18,600 feet) and Chicon. (elev.: 5,530 meters or 18,140 feet) This ride takes us away from the other tourists and allows us to see the less trodden, real Peru, as we bike on dirt roads and footpaths and visit traditional villages. Half way through our journey we stop for a gourmet picnic and some well deserved rest next to a 16th century Spanish church.

We then carry on downhill, following ancient Inca footpaths, eventually reaching the salt mines of Pichingoto. These are not actually mines, but a rather amazing conglomerate of over 3000 evaporation troughs carved into the hillside where the salt-laden silt gathers and becomes gradually distilled into rock salt. This site is very ancient, but was perfected and developed to a high degree by the Incas. Depending on our time, we can either stop and visit this fascinating complex or continue straight through to the bottom of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This ride is 80% downhill and covers more than 35 miles of stunning countryside - A true Classic!
For those with no interest in riding bikes, we can arrange a modified walking tour following the same route. We arrive to our beautiful Sacred Valley hotel in the afternoon leaving plenty of time to relax in the sun or enjoy the hotel's full-service spa with native treatments. Overnight at the Casa Andina PC Valle Hotel in Sacred Valley – a beautiful hotel with views of the Andes on all sides and a star observatory for stargazing the Southern Hemisphere's night skies. (B,L, and Snacks)

Day 4-It's time for the Inca Trail!
A few words about the Inca Trail and our services…
The whole of Peru was once criss-crossed with Inca and pre-Inca highways paved with thick interlocking blocks of stone. Sometimes these highways followed the valleys, but just as often they traversed the high mountainsides, tracing impossible pathways and forming narrow ledges over the bottomless gorges of the Andes. The trails were built for men on foot and lightly burdened llamas. Frequently, their gradients gave way to steps, tunnels and long zig-zag trajectories down steep faces. The part of the trail that we will hike wasformerly the royal highway to Machu Picchu. The explorer, Hiram Bingham, rediscovered the trail in 1915. Few relatively short hikes in the world can offer such a variety of scenery, staggering views, pre-Columbian ruins, and such a mix of jungle and high sierra. Certainly no other walk known to us will lead you along an ancient highway from one secluded ruin to another, each in a breathtaking setting, each almost perfectly preserved, offering shelter, solitude, and views that no pen or camera can ever adequately record.

We consider our services to be the very best on the Inca Trail! Everyday our porters, head chef, and kitchen crew charge ahead to set up a beautiful lunch – complete with tables and hot cooked meals. Again they forge ahead of us to make sure we arrive at a comfortable camp and post hiking Happy Hour! We use a spacious Mountain Hardware 4 season dome for dining – set up with tables and chairs, a hot beverage station, happy hour snacks, and desserts. We use 3 season tents every night on the trail. In the morning you will awaken to a bowl of hot water for washing up, then a full breakfast to fuel you for another day on the trail. We carry ourown private bathroom set up and personal wash basins for evening and morning washing up. We filter abundant amounts of water to be sure you stay hydrated. Meals are multi-course affairs starting with soup and salad, main course, and dessert – we can cater to any dietary need. Our guides travel with radios and we are accompanied the whole time by an Inca educational expert who will tell us all about the ruins we are passing (and camping next to) and will be our guide throughout Machu Picchu as well.

The Inca Trail adventure begins as we take our private van to "Kilometer 82" where the local porters are waiting for us. The porters will carry our duffle bags (18 pound limit) and we will carry our own daypacks stocked with water, snacks, cameras, and extra clothes. The weather can change quickly so it's best to carry with you cold weather and rain gear. On our first day of hiking we visit archeological sights at Wilkaray and pass numerous ancient terraces. Today's hike is easy going with a gradual incline and incredible views of thesnow capped Wecheywilk. We arrive at camp well below the first pass at 7000 feet. Luckily, we'll be able to call on the strength of the legendary Quechua whose high altitude lungs bear our burden more easily. (From Km 82 to Huayllabamba / 11km / 5-6 hours of hiking.) All meals included on the trail.

Day 5-Day two on the Inca Trail
We pass through the incredible cloud forests of Yunkachimpa and Corralpunku, and slowly work our way up the first pass - 14,000 feet! The views from here are impressive, as if we've landed on a condor's perch above the clouds. Camp just below Dead Woman's Pass.

Day 6-Day three on the Inca Trail
We ascend the first pass of 14,000 feet and enjoy vistas of the high Andes, including the sacred peak of Salcantay, and a visit to the archeological site of Sayacmara located out the brow of the jungle. Plant and bird life become more varied and the amazing spectacle of the Urubamba Valley comes into view. We camp on the ridgeline at Puyupatamarca with a 360-degree panorama of the magnificent Andes. Often at this campsite the steamy jungle clouds are below us – camping above the clouds! (From Pacaymayo to Puyupatamarca / 8km / 4-6 hours hiking.)

Day 7-Day four on the Inca Trail and entering Machu Picchu
This is a spectacular day of hiking as we marvel at the engineering feats of the Incas. We descend into the rainforest upon the ancient stone stairs; tunnels and bridges carved right into the mountain. We take a 15-minute detour to visit the empty and haunting ruins of Winay Wayna (meaning "Forever Young") where a well-deserved catnap is a welcome afternoon treat. We arrive at the spectacular Sun Gate of Machu Picchu in the golden light of afternoon after the last tourist buses have left the ruins.
Machu Picchu, the lost, mysterious city of the Incas now lays in front of us. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Machu Picchu is a perfectly preserved Inca city that was lost in the dense jungle for hundreds of years. This is perhaps the most famous and awe-inspiring of all the ruins discovered in the 20th century. Machu Picchu allows us to step back in time and experience the wonder of living in a stone-hewn, ancient Incan city that continues to mystify scholars with its spectacular engineering. After our brief initial visit, we take a bus to the clean little town of Aguas Calientes, nestled in the steep Urubamba River Valley. (From Puyupatamarca to Machu Picchu / 10km / 6 hours hiking.) Overnight at Hotel MAPI. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day 8-Full day in Machu Picchu and train back to Cusco
In the morning, we take a bus up the twisty road back to Machu Picchu. Those who still have the energy are welcome to hike the steep staircase straight up to the ruins. We spend most of the day at the ruins with our knowledgeable Peruvian guide who will show us all the wonders of Machu Picchu. In the late afternoon, weclimb aboard a first class train for a spectacular ride back to Cusco. The train tracks themselves are a miracle of human ingenuity and tenacity. The ride down the mountain will give you ample time to reflect on your journey by foot and provides us with an early evening arrival in Cusco. We will check back into our hotel, the Casa Andina Private Collection, then gather for a festive Farewell Dinner to celebrate an amazing journey!
(Breakfast  included)

Day 9
Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
(Breakfast)

Testimonials:

Here is one of many testamonials that came back after a recent trip: The trip to Peru was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I had such a wonderful time, in fact, I think it was the best vacation I have ever been on. Everything was organized so well. Ario did a great job keeping everything running smoothly. All of our guides were great! The river guides, Ario, Pancho, Piero, Lucho and Leo, were full of youthful exuberance that helped encourage everyone. We attacked all the raging rapids with enthusiasm. I also felt very safe and had a great time each night at camp. Our trail guides, Dalmiro, Edison and Maridsa were full of knowledge about the Inca Trail and the Incan Civilization. I welcomed the challenge of Dead Woman's Pass in the snow and the beauty atop Phuyupatamarca with amazing views of the valley and Salcantay. The porters treated us like Kings and Queens, I am still amazed at their deftness on the trail under such heavy loads. The food over the whole trip was delicious. I am still itching from some of the bites I received, but the trip was worth every scratch. Thanks so much for all your planning for this trip, it proved to be well worth it! -J. Henderson

Trip Specifics:

This trip is offered in conjunction with our international river expedition outfitter. Our combined team of professional guides, coupled with the energy of OAC club members will make this experience the trip of a lifetime for many.

Level of experience recommended: Everyone is welcome. For the trekking portion, you should be in strong cardiovascular shape and be prepared for up to seven-hours of hiking each day. Previous full day hiking experience is recommended. Everyone should have an open, tolerant and flexible attitude. International travel is often an adventure in itself and just about anything can (and does) happen.

What's included:

• Professional, English speaking guides on the Inca Trail, horseback, and mountain biking
• Premits for the Inca Trail
• Transfers between the Cusco airport and hotel, and to/from the Inca Trail
• Well-trained horses for the horseback day
• Modern mountain bikes for the mountain bike day
• Comfortable hotel accommodations in Cusco and Aguas Calientes - double occupancy
• All meals while on the Inca Trail, as well as breakfasts in Cusco. You will be responsible for lunches and dinners in Cusco, and dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Porters and camp staff for the Inca Trail
• Tents and group camping gear for the river and Inca Trail- you'll need a sleeping bag and pad, and a small daypack for the Inca Trail

What you'll need:

A complete gear list will come with your confirmation, but you should be prepared with:

• International airfare to Cusco, Peru (CUZ)
• A sleeping bag and pad for the Inca Trail
• A small daypack for the Inca Trail
• Money for lunches and dinners in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, tipping and shopping

Please do not book airline tickets for this trip until you have been confirmed on the trip. Permits for the Inca Trail are limited, and travel plans should not be made until your permit is secured.

Pricing:

OAC Member: $2,950
Non-member: $3,050

Single supplement - $400 - The trip price is based on double occupancy. We pair up single (same sex) travelers to fill double occupancy. Single supplement is applied if you have your own, non-shared room on the trip. It is not applied to individuals registering solo, who will be sharing a room.

A non-refundable deposit of $600 is due with your reservation.
50% payment is due 90 days in advance of the trip.
Full payment is due 60 days in advance of the trip.

Let us know if you have any questions about this trip. Please send inquiries to peru@OutdoorAdventureClub.com or call 415-377-1195.

Ready to sign up for the Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu MultiSport adventure? Download our registration form and either scan and email it to us at info@OutdoorAdventureClub.com, or fax it to 415 771 1891 ATTN: Richard

To pay your $600 non-refundable deposit, please use the Paypal button below.