Peru: Inca Trail Express


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Detailed Trip Description

Starting in Cusco a two day rafting trip on the Urubamba River with visits to archaeological sites along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, ending with a visit to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. Overnights during the trip are in small hotels or country inns.


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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Cusco

 
Cusco / Km. 104 / Chachabamba / Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu.
Train

Leaving Cuso (or Ollantaytambo) on the early train, we head over the pass of Tika Tika to the puna (High Andean Savannah) and its rolling hills, downhill towards the Urubamba river in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Rafting

As the Valley becomes a canyon the cloud forest begins to appear with a vegetation change as we reach the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Getting off, we cross a hanging bridge at km. 104 to the Chachabamba site, and after a brief visit begins a three hour ascent to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, an important spiritual site. The Inca Trail cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu to finally reach Intipunku the door of the sun from where the trail winds downhill. The classic vista into the lost citadel located right above the Urubamba River will be a unique experience; it is the most exquisite way to see Machu Picchu for the first time.

Cusco Rafting picture Cusco Rafting picture Cusco Rafting picture Cusco Rafting picture Cusco Rafting picture
Hotel

Overnight at a hostal in Machu Picchu Pueblo (the village in the Urubamba Valley). Dinner on your own.


Day 2 - Cusco

 
Machu Picchu / Cusco.
Sightseeing

After an early breakfast visit the citadel and surrounding complexes. You have the opportunity for an in depth tour of this world renowned site before returning to Cusco, giving you a chance to see the spectacular views without other tourists in your pictures.

Cusco Sightseeing picture
Hiking

Optional hike up to the top of Wayna Picchu. Lunch included.

Train

Return by train to Cusco (or the Sacred Valley).


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