Inca Trail Woman Expeditions 4 days

ITINERARY

Day 1: Patacancha village – Ollantaytambo – KM82– Wayllabamba
Begin your day early with a pick up from your hotel and a scenic 2-hour drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley to the town Ollantaytambo. Here you will meet your trek team and continue by bus to Piscacucho (Km 82) where the Inca Trail starts.
At control point, you will present your Inca Trail permit. This is also where the weight each porter carries is regulated.
Once you cross the Piscacucho Bridge over the Urubamba River, you will start the trek. Walk on flat terrain along the shore of the river until you reach the small community of Miskay.
Continuing on a steeper path toward a high plateau, your efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular view of the Inca ruins of Patallacta. Situated at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of the river Cusicancha, a tributary of the Urubamba River, this archaeological complex has an urban sector with more than 100 structures and an Inca altar called Pulpituyoc.
After lunch, trek for another two hours or so until you reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba.
Trek Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km) | moderate
Approximate Time: 4 to 6 hrs

Day 2.- WAYLLABAMBA/ WARMIWAÑUSKA/ PACAYMAYU

 We’ll wake up to birdsong and the peaceful murmuring of the nearby river, taking our time to enjoy the refreshing countryside air. We’ll next gather in the dining tent, where our chefs will be waiting for us with a hearty breakfast, and later begin our hike to the highest point of the journey, Warmiwañuska Pass (4,215m – 13828Feet). This section will be a personal challenge for each hiker, but reaching the top is well worth the effort; getting up here means that you can accomplish anything!
The ascent is gradual, and the first section is covered in vegetation until halfway up the mountain (Llulluchapampa, 3,800m). We’ll rest a while here, taking in the fresh, cold air of the Andes. After here, the views are all of the Andean puna (highland mountain”, where the mountain is rocky and without much vegetation due to the altitude. However, we will come across the grass known as paja, still used by many high-mountain communities for roofing material. The views steadily improve as we climb, revealing different mountain ranges, and after a hard hike we’ll reach the highest pass of our trip, with rewarding views of mountains and valleys. If we are lucky, we’ll see condors circling above this pass, the ancient birds of the Peruvian Andes which guard over us as we hike. Getting up to Warmiwañuska is an accomplishment that you will never forget.
We gently descend from here, still glowing from our accomplishment and appreciating the simple things in life. The trail takes us to our campsite in the Pacamayu valley. At dinner we’ll share stories with our group and with our Explore Adventures Peru porters as well, feeling the satisfaction and peace furnished by the night sky and surrounding mountain peaks.

DAY 03: PACAYMAYU/ WIÑAYWAYNA

After breakfast, the trek continues along a path rich with archeological treasures. Halfway along the steep trail up to Runkurakay Pass, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca tambo, or lodge, of semi-circular design with a view of the Valley of Pacaymayo, or “Hidden River” Valley below. Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the pass summit, which offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo.
You will continue on to the lakes of Yanacocha and Sayacmarca. Aptly dubbed the “Inaccessible Town,” Sayacmarca is an interesting set of ruins located on a cliff with a panoramic view of the Aobamba Valley and the snow-covered peak of Pumasillo.
Continuing on, you will pass Conchamarca, a small, flat archaeological complex. Then the trail ascends again and you come to a 65-foot (20-meter) long tunnel with steps carved out of the rock. Continuing the ascent, you will reach the third and final mountain pass of the trek at Abra de Phuyupatamarca. Afterwards, the trail continues downhill leading to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, “Town in The Clouds.” This is undoubtedly one of the most unique towns along the Inca Trail.
As the day ends, you will head toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna or “Forever Young,” where you will camp for your final night.
Trek Distance: 10 mi (16 km) | moderate
Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hrs

DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA/ MACHU PICCHU/ CUSCO

After an very early start with breakfast, you will set out on the final leg of the trail to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu for sunrise.
From the Sun Gate, you will descend to the citadel for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework that seems to rise from the mountain itself. The giant stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and put into place without mortar, and yet their foundations still remain. You will have the chance to explore the 3 zones of this once grand city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
After snapping some final photos, board the shuttle bus back to town and transfer to the train station for your return to Cusco.
Trek Distance to Machu Picchu: 3.7 mi (6 km) | moderate
Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hrs

Included

ALL-INCLUSIVE INCA TRAIL TREK Our treks are all-inclusive, which allows you to travel worry-free and focus 100% on enjoying yourself. We've got you covered with Private transportation, Personal porter included, deluxe camping gear, day backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bag and deluxe air-pad/pillow/blanket, organic meals, safety equipment, water treatment, emergency communication devices and more! With the 4 Day Inca Trail package you will receive:

Cultural Immersion Experience

Visit to Patabamba village
Home stay at the community
Explore the community with your guide share the day in the lives of QUECHUAS

Transportation and Tickets
Private transport from your Cusco hotel or home stay to the trailhead
Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
Train ticket back to Cusco Expeditions service
Transfer from Cusco the train station back to your hotel
Entrance fees for Inca Trail
Entrance fees for Machu Picchu
Camping Equipment
Our service includes a porter 8kgs
High quality double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
Sleeping rest mattress 'Air mattresses'
Hot water in the morning for washing
Food and drink utensils
Dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, seats
Toilet tent with biodegradable chemical toilet
Emergency Equipment
First Aid Kit: includes alcohol, bandages, pills for the altitude, oxygenated water, cotton balls, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets, rescue ropes, etc.
An oxygen bottle is available at all times.
Radio communication: Guides are equipped with radios used by workers in the Machu Picchu National Park. we have constant communication with our staff and rangers in case of emergencies.
Team
Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking guide
A Quechua chef to prepare your meals
Quechua Porters to carry camping equipment and food (hikers must carry their own bags; porters only carry 8kgs)
Food
Plentiful, nutritious meals (vegetarian option available) 03B, 03L, 03D
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as enough water for your canteens, water bottles or hydration packs

NOT INCLUDED:
Breakfast on Day 1
Tips for guide and camp staff

PRICE

Price per Person: US$695  (Minimum 2 persons; departures all year except February) 

ALL-INCLUSIVE TREK Our treks are all-inclusive, which allows you to travel worry-free and focus 100% on enjoying yourself. We've got you covered with Private transportation, Personal porter included, deluxe camping gear, day backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bag and deluxe air-pad/pillow/blanket, organic meals, safety equipment, water treatment, emergency communication devices and more!

* We include a porter that will carry your personal belongings in all of our treks at no additional cost.
* We include First aid kit/Emergency Portable Oxygen Tank.
* Black Diamond Hiking Poles
* North Face Sleeping bag – 4 season
* North Face Private Tent
* Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Air mattress
* National Geographic day back
* Portable Solar Panels for charging the phones

Discounts

Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25
Under 15 Discount – $25
Under 7 Discount – $35
Porters - Our service includes 8kg carried by our porters per person, but if you would like an upgrade: you can hire an additional porter to carry up to

8 Kg. (18 pounds) for USD85.00
15 Kg. (33 pounds) for USD150.00.
The Cost includes porter’s salary, porter’s entrance to Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and food.

Upgrades

Train upgrade to Vistadome: US$50 one way (departing from Aguas Calientes). Train will be according to availability and Peru Rail schedules, if train route ends at Ollantaytambo, we will be there waiting for you in order to go to Cusco City. (Our service ends once you are at your accommodation at Cusco City)

Extras

Would you also like to hike Huayna Picchu? Sure, you can make it! Its price is US$85 per person and there are 2 times (at 7am and 10am). We usually recommend people to take the 10am one (this activity is on the 4th day of the Inca Trail 4 days) because that way you won’t be running with the time to take your tour. Other option would be on the 5th day in the morning if you want to stay for an extra night at Aguas Calientes. (accommodation is on your own on the 4th night)

CANCELLATION:

1. Because of the strict regulations of the Machu Picchu Park, once you have made your reservation, you cannot cancel the space that you have reserved. You also may not alter the name or date of the reservation. If you are unable to come on the date you have reserved, we cannot reimburse you.
2. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. We cannot reimburse the entrance fee to the Inca Trail because the permits are non-refundable and EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU purchases the tickets from Machu Picchu Park when you reserve your spot.
3. If you cancel between 30 and 10 days before your trek, you must pay 50% of the total cost.
4. If you cancel between 10 and 3 days before your trek, you must pay 80% of the total cost.
5. If you cancel one or two days before your trek, you must pay 100% of the total cost.
6. In the exceptional case that you decide to head back once you have started the trail, you must pay extra expenses such as food and transportation. You may join the group in Machu Picchu for the walking tour and use all of the services onward.

WHY EXPLORE

THE EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU® DIFFERENCE - DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Explore Adventures Peru® has been setting the standard for Trekking Peruvian Andes since 2010. As one of the few specialist companies organizing high quality expeditions, we are recognized as one of the best operators on the Peruvian Andes. Come see why we are the premier Andes outfitter. When you travel with us, you gain access to people and places. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and guides, and by local experts we meet along the way. And you give back. Simply by taking a trip with Explore Adventures Peru, you support the work of our explorers and indigenous Quechuas villages. We are a 100% locally owned and operated company! Proud to be Quechuas!!!

WE HAVE A 99.8% CLIENT SATISFACTION RATE!
Undoubtedly, the most honest and accurate feedback comes from our clients themselves. With the goal of constantly improving our service, a post-Hiking survey is taken from each client in order to assess our staff, equipment, and food.

LOCAL GUIDES
KNOWLEDGE: LET OUR EXPERTS GUIDE YOU
- Professional, experienced, licensed local Quechuan guides
- Our guides are formed by expert Photographers, Explorers, History teachers, Archaeologists
- Honest, hardworking, team oriented support staff
- Over 600 times hikes on Inca Trail success experiences and client satisfaction

QUALITY EQUIPMENT
HIGH QUALITY EQUIPMENT & SERVICE.
• Rugged, four season North face, Mountain Hardwear, Doite, Vango tents
• Super warm North face, Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardwear -30F sleeping bags
• Spacious mess tents and private toilets
• Outdoor utensils in stainless steel

FANTASTIC MEALS
• Delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients
• Clean water treated with Water Guard
• we customize our menus depending on the preferences of the group,
• we never use freeze-dried backpacking meals
• Hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip!
• We also regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, kosher, non-gluten and other specialty diets

FOCUSED ON SAFETY
WE HAVE MANY LAYERS OF SAFETY BUILT INTO OUR OPERATIONS TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS ON INCA TRAIL AND BEYOND .
• We have established protocols for handling emergencies on the mountain, including rescue and evacuation
• Certified Wilderness First Responders
• Certified of the oficial firemen of Peru
• Daily pulse and oxygen saturation monitoring
• We provide evacuation by helicopter Andes Corp. For hikers seriously injured or sick.
• Emergency oxygen, portable stretchers and medical kits
• Emergency horse available in all our Alternatives treks

RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
GIVE BACK: WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• Environmentally and socially responsible company
• Member of Inca Trail Porters Welfare
• Member of Leave No Trace
• Fair and ethical treatment of porters
• Empowering Peruvian women

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION By EXPLORE
Instead of local buses, which other companies use to reduce their costs,
we always provide private transportation. This service allows our clients
flexibility and privacy.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS
• "Great experience!"
• "Very well planned & organized"
• "Excellent service all around"
• "A solid company"
• "Highly recommended!"
• Genuine, authentic, and flexible with deep local knowledge
• Absolutely Amazing

Finally, EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU strives to provide top quality service to its clientele and will continue to listen to their comments on how to improve our services and take it to a higher level. Our clients are extremely satisfied as our numerous testimonials prove. Please read their trip reports on the Testimonials section of our website and also on Tripadvisor.

BOOK NOW

Discover the you you never knew...

                                          Discover yourself in Peru                                                      

ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING

TRIP NOTES

Inca Trail & Alternative & Adventure Trek to MachuPicchu Packing Check LIST
During the Alternatuve Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco at your hotel or free storage in our office and you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing (which will be help briefing day before you start the trek) to pack clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days.

Gear Checklist
Provided Gear
Tents
 Cooking and eating utensils while camping
 Sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
 Duffel bag, medium-size (used while trekking, approximately 65 liter)
Official Papers
 Valid passport
 Airline tickets
Luggage
 Luggage, one piece, wheels and handle ok
 Daypack 2000 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
 Luggage tags and luggage locks
 Passport pouch or money pouch
Camping Gear
 Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 10°-20°F)

CHECK LIST FOR YOU TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
PASSPORT: You MUST take your passport and a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain).

City Clothing
Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear when not trekking

Clothing
 Midweight fleece or wool sweater
 Fleece pants or tights
 Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
 Hiking pants
 Hiking shorts
 Long-sleeve shirts
 T-shirts
 nderwear
 Casual socks
 Hiking socks
 Liner socks, synthetic
 Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
 Sun hat
 Wool or fleece hat
 Bandana
 Wool or fleece gloves
 Outerwear
 Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
 Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable. Side-zip pants are highly recommended.
 Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
Footwear
 Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
 Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear for use in town and/or campsites
Travel Accessories
 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
 Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
 Watch with alarm or travel clock
 1 roll of toilet paper
 Sunglasses and retainer strap
 Sunblock and lip balm
Toiletry kit
 Small washcloth and small towel
 Baby wipes
Personal first-aid kit
 Hand sanitizer gel
 Insect repellent
 Several Ziploc plastic bags
 Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
Optional Field Gear
 Camera, spare media card and batteries
 Electrical adapter plug
 Earplugs
 Whistle
 Spare contact lenses or glasses
 Reading and writing materials
 Sewing kit
 Knee supports
 Travel pillow
 Hiking stick or trekking poles (metal tips not allowed on Inca Trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape.)
 Favorite energy snacks and drinks.

DIFFICULTY:
Moderate - Challenging
DURATION:
4 Days / 3 Nights
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rewarding days of moderate to rigorous trekking
3 nights of camping with stunning views
Machu Picchu and other important archeological sites
Spectacular scenery
Quality equipment and comfortable campsites
We also provide camping chairs and tables for dining and resting

DON'T JUST TRAVEL. EXPLORE! Explore Adventures Peru team!!