Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
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YOUR GUIDE TO THE INCA TRAIL & MACHU PICCHU The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most renowned hikes, traversing the heart of the Peruvian countryside and taking travellers deep into the Andean mountains. Your reward? The ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu - one of South America’s greatest treasures! If you’re planning a visit, our essential guide can tell you everything you need to know before your journey. THE PATH TO MACHU PICCHU The path to Machu Picchu involves a few more logistics than normal, with options including trains, treks & buses. For the more adventurous traveller, popular treks include the classic Inca Trail with a 4 day camping option or a 2 day trek with an overnight town stay, along with the Salkantay and Lares treks which also feature cultural experiences, daily hikes, and lodge accommodation throughout. For those who are unable to hike, or if you’re pressed for time, there are a variety of rail journeys available. For a day trip to Machu Picchu, all you need to do is jump on a train from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley and you are on your way! MACHU PICCHU IN A NUTSHELL Every year, millions of people flock to the mysterious Incan ruins at the citadel of Machu Picchu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site treats travellers to giant agricultural terraces, intricate stone constructions, and stunning hilltop views out across the Andean Mountains. THE LOST CITY THE LLAMAS OF MACHU PICCHU Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is Machu Picchu isn’t just famous for its ancient ruins - it is nestled within the towering peaks of the Andes 2,430 also well-known for its llamas! Along with alpacas, these metres above sea level. Archaeologists believe the site was creatures are the only inhabitants of the citadel. Llamas once used as a sacred sanctuary and royal estate for the held a special place in ancient Incan society, providing leaders of the Incan empire. During the Spanish conquest wool, food and a way for people to transport goods. On in the 16th century, some 100 years after its construction, a visit to Machu Picchu, you may just be treated to a the Incas abandoned the citadel and the knowledge of llama photo-bomb! this grand city faded from historical memory. This architectural treasure had been hidden for more than four ENTRANCE TICKETS centuries before its “rediscovery” on July 24th, 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Its impressive stonework has been well- To access Machu Picchu, you will need to purchase an preserved over the years, featuring over 200 monuments entrance ticket before your visit. There are four types including various temples, caves, astronomical structures, of tickets, all of which include access to the Inca site, and water fountains. Due to the location of this famous with some also offering visits to museums and nearby citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only way mountains: to get to there is by rail and bus or by trekking the famous Inca Trail. Planning ahead is key! • Machu Picchu solo • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu • Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT? • Machu Picchu Museum Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the best time to visit is generally from late-April to mid-June or from September through to October. July and August tend The Peruvian government has implemented restrictions to be the busiest months with plenty of sunshine and on the number of people who can visit the Machu Picchu dry weather, while the rainy season runs from October ruins each day. All entrance tickets are now issued with a through to April. In February, the Inca Trail closes for it’s set time, allowing a maximum of 4 hours at the site for annual month-long maintenance. No matter what time each ticket issued. Your first visit to the ruins must be of the year you travel, you should always expect crowds. with a guide where you will follow a set route. THE ROAD TO MACHU PICCHU MACHU PICCHU BY RAIL If you’re unable to hike to Machu Picchu, you’re pressed for time, or you simply want a laid-back travel option, you can board a train! Enveloped by dramatic canyon walls, you’ll enjoy a scenic rail journey as you travel along the Urubamba River in Peru’s Sacred Valley. TRAIN TRAVEL BELMOND HIRAM BINGHAM The quickest way to travel to Machu Picchu is to take the Dine and dance your way between Cuzco and Machu train to Aguas Calientes, departing from Cuzco or the Picchu aboard this enchanting luxury train. Inside the Sacred Valley. This charming town is located in the valley 1920s-style carriages, be whisked into the glamour of a below the mountains, making it the perfect overnight base bygone era with gleaming woods, fine fabrics and antique for Machu Picchu visits. The journey to Aguas Calientes fittings. Here, elegance and old-fashioned charm come is roughly 3 1/2 hours from the nearest train station to first. As you glide through the Andes, you’ll experience Cuzco, and approximately 90 minutes by train from the the magic of the mountains while sampling a host of station at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. artisanal delights paired with the finest wines. Rail experiences to choose from include the Vistadome train, or a luxury rail journey aboard Belmond Hiram Bingham, named after the famed explorer who rediscovered the city’s ruins. While you can definitely visit the citadel on a simple day trip, we do highly recommend an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes if you have time to do so. The town has a lovely local market and some beautiful hot springs which inspired its name. VISTADOME TRAIN The Vistadome train has large panoramic windows beside and above your seat, offering unparalleled photo opportunities and superb views of the passing scenery. Surrounded by glass on all sides, you will feel as if you are a part of Peru’s remarkable landscape. As you make your way to Machu Picchu, you’ll be treated to traditional music, delicious cuisine, and dances inspired by the ancient culture of the Andes. THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL For those who have the time and would like to experience an active adventure, the trek to Machu Picchu is simply stunning. There are a range of trekking options available to suit every budget, comfort level and fitness ability, with treks running between 2 to 7 days. ACCLIMATISATION TIP 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TREK We recommend you have 2-3 nights in Cuzco or the The classic Inca Trail is a 4 day camping experience, Sacred Valley prior to trekking to allow you to acclimatise starting from Km 82 and ending at Machu Picchu. to the higher altitude. While the trek itself is not physically challenging, it does reach altitudes of up to 4,200 metres. Sleeping bags and THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL camping equipment are included, and porters will carry The most well-known option is the classic Inca Trail.The up to 7kgs of baggage for you while you trek. route runs from Peru’s Sacred Valley up to the ruins of the citadel, winding its way through ancient pathways, lush 2 DAY INCA TRAIL TREK valleys, and the soaring Andean Mountains. Originally laid Should you not have the time or the fitness to enjoy the during the Incan empire in the 15th century, it formed part classic 4 day Inca Trail, you may opt to do the 2 day trek of a vast system linking more than 23,000 kms of trails to with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. This begins important settlements across South America. The trail is at Km 104 and includes trekking to the ruins of Wiñay famous for being able to access Machu Picchu through Wayna, followed by an up hill hike to the site of Machu the citadel’s Sun Gate (Intipunku). From here, trekkers Picchu. The next day, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the catch their first breath-taking glimpse of the ruins from ruins. the best panoramic viewing spot on the mountain. PERMITS Permits are required for treks, with a limit of 500 per day (including Porters). These often sell out well in advance, so booking ahead is essential. For both options, you can trek on a small group tour with set departures, or on a private basis. Should you wish to upgrade your trekking experience, we can offer the Luxury Inca Trail Trek which includes premium tents with camp beds, a private chef and masseuse. Enquire for more details about booking this experience. TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU Although the Inca Trail is the most well-known Machu Picchu trek, there are also the Lares, Salkantay & Choquequirao trails. These offer daily hikes, cultural experiences, and lodge accommodation throughout. THE LARES TREK SALKANTAY TREK The Lares Trail is a great option for people who want to The 7 day Salkantay Trek is physically more challenging. mix local experiences with lodge based accommodation. Following in the footsteps of the Inca, it winds its way from The trek offers the chance to explore the beautiful Sacred Cuzco through to the legendary ruins at Machu Picchu Valley of the Incas, which is full of incredible Incan sites. via forested canyons and the Vilcabamba Mountains. Here, you can also see traditional weavers attired in Highlights include the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay colourful dress, roving herds of alpacas and llamas, and Peak and Humantay Glacier Lake. Throughout the trek, a panorama of waterfalls, snow peaks, and glacial lakes. you will enjoy the comfort of mountain lodges, with the last night spent in the town of Aguas Calientes below the You can enjoy 5 or 7 day Lares trekking options.