Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package 8 days

Day 1: Arrival in Lima.

Upon arrival at the Lima airport, you will be greeted by an Orange Cares representative. After a transfer to your confirmed Lima hotel and assistance with the check in, you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.

There are many ways to spend a day in Lima, its a vibrant modern city with many amenities. Here are some of the highlights of Lima you might want to check out.

• The trendy neighborhood of Miraflores is on the Pacific coast line, its super modern with the Larcomar mall with stunning views of the ocean.
• The bohemian neighborhood of Barranco has great coffee shops and quirky stores.
• The historical center depicts Lima´s rich architectural history as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
• Take a scenic walk to Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores or visit the must-see Museo Larco or watch the interactive water show that incorporates lights and music at the Magic Water Circuit.

• 3* Accommodation:
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina or Novotel
• Meals: Not Included.

Day 2: Fly to Cusco. Explore and relax.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our representative will be there to welcome you. The short drive to your hotel in the historic center will provide you with stunning examples of Cusco’s hybrid Spanish-Inca architecture.

Cusco is at a breath taking 3,399m/11,152ft above sea level. The first day in the city is best spent relaxing and adjusting to the high altitude. Your hotel will be located close to the Plaza de Armas. A central location dotted with a variety of eateries and vibrant artisan markets.

• 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Rumipunku
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals:

Day 3: Private Cusco City Tour.

Immerse yourself into the story of Cusco’s past with a private guided tour of its foremost historic sites. Start with a visit to the impressive Cusco Cathedral and Coricancha temple. Then ascend above the sea of terracotta roofs as you visit the monumental Sacsayhuaman citadel.

The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. Explore new flavors and pick up souvenirs at the San Pedro Market or wander the cobblestone streets of the bohemian San Blas.

• 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Rumipunku
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals:

Day 4: Classic Inca Trail Trek. Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

An early 4am pick-up from Cusco will take us through the Sacred Valley to the trailhead in Piskacucho KM 82 ( 2,700 m/ 8,856 ft). We will make a quick stop for breakfast along the way (not included in the price). Once we pass the main checkpoint we hike along the Vilcanota River for about three-hour to our lunch spot in Tarayoc. We then continue uphill to the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay which has breathtaking views of the archeological site of Llactapata and the snowcapped mountain peak of W´akay Willca

Another 2 hours on a steep incline to reach our campsite in Ayapata. Here, our porters will have camp already set-up and a lovely spread of afternoon tea accompanied by snacks. After a scrumptious dinner we settle in for our first night in the mountains.

• Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12KM / 7.5MILES (at approx. 6-7 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Day 5: Classic Inca Trail Trek. Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Ch’Aqui Qqocha

Our day starts at 5am with a cup of hot coca tea, a bowl of warm water and a hearty breakfast. The first section for the day is a steep incline through the cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3 800m/12 460ft), gaining almost 800m/2 625ft in elevation. After a short break we continue our climb to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Women´s Pass (4 200m/13 779ft).

Next is a welcomed descent to our lunch spot in Pacaymayu (3 580m/11 700ft). Later, we embark on our second ascent for the day to the Runkuraqay Pass (4 000m/13 123ft). Finally, we descend to the archeological site of Sayacmarka (3 650m/11 975). After some time exploring this Inca site we make our way down to camp in Chaquicocha (3 600m/11 800ft). As the norm, at camp we enjoy some afternoon tea followed by a scrumptious dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16KM / 10MILES (at approx. 9 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 6: Classic Inca Trail Trek.Ch’Aqui Qqocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Day 3 is has the most impressive scenery and a slew of Inca Ruins to explore. Added to that is a warmer climate, brought on by the approaching Amazon Jungle. Start the day at a more reasonable hour of 6am, with a hot cup of tea and a nutritious breakfast. First, is a gentle climb to the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca “village in the clouds” (3 680m/12 073ft). Enjoy the panoramic views of canyons, waterfalls and snow-broached mountain tops.

A descent on about 3000 Inca steps takes us to our next archeological site of Intipata. Next is the third and final archeological site of the day, the Forever youthful site of Wiñay Wayna. Camp is only a short walk away and lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will all be served at this camp. Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m/8,692 ft) is warm and humid and has great views of the lush valley and the Urubamba River below.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10KM / 6.2MILES (at approx. 5 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7: Classic Inca Trail Trek. Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On the last day you wake up the earliest because of a number of factors. Firstly, those invaluable porters that carry and prepare everything for us on the trek, well today they need to rush and catch the only staff train available to them which departs at 5:00am. Secondly, Machu Picchu open at 5:30am and we want to be in line to be one of the first groups to enter, so we can watch the sun rise over the citadel like melting gold.

The moment we´ve been waiting for is finally here. As we walk through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the sheer size, scale, and sophistication of the Inca city will leave you spell bound. Continue downhill on the royal path to the awe-inspiring and surreal Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft). After walking for about 40 minutes, we enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the top through the “House of the Guardians” where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu.

• Meals included: Breakfast ONLY
• Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
• Difficulty: Easy

Additional information

Included is an informative guided tour of Machu Picchu. After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, those who have booked for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu in advance will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train at 2:55 or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

*** The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking.

***IMPORTANT:

• On the 4 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the Circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu (US$57).
• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Day 8: Rainbow Mountain Trek – Then flight back home

Our journey starts bright and early at 4am. We embark on our 3-hour scenic drive in the South Valley of Cusco towards the small village town of Cusipata. Just beyond the edge of the town, we stop to enjoy a nutritious breakfast cooked by our talented chef. This is also the ideal spot to use clean flushing toilets (S/ 2). We then continue to our trailhead in Chilliwani at 4700 m and begin our 2 hour, 4km gradual incline hike.

At Rainbow mountain, you will have enough time to take pictures and enjoy your views. After some time at the top we continue onwards to the nearby Red Valley. This hike takes about 45 minutes. Later, we head back down to take our private transportations to our lunch spot. On arrival, our chef will prepare a buffet lunch. After lunch, we start our journey back to Cusco, scheduled to arrive at around 6pm .

Then you can take your flight back home by the early evening.

• Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging