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Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This 43-km trek combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna, ending in the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu. This 5-day program is an excellent alternative to avoid most of the crowds found on the 4-day classical route and to reach quieter, more distant and beautiful campsites. It is also recommended for families with children, as it allows a better acclimatization to altitude and the daily walking distance is lower than in the 4-day version DAY 01 Km 82 Llactapata

We will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning in our private van to begin traveling to Ollantaytambo, our first stop. DAY 02 Here, we will explore the ruins, before continuing on to the Inca Trail checkpoint at Km 82. This is where our porters will join the team and we will all set off on our trek. From Km 82 Inca Trail we follow the , gazing at the snow-capped peak Veronica (5,900m/19,000ft) until reaching our next stop, the Llactapata Q’oriwayrachina checkpoint. After crossing the Urubamba River Llulluchapampa at Q’ente, you will have the option to visit to Wayna Q’ente and/ or Llactapata archaeological sites. Once we have arrived at the After breakfast, we will begin slowly hiking toward next archealogical site of , we will have a delicious Llulluchapampa, our destination for the evening. We will stop at lunch and have an opportunity to explore the area known for Wayllabamba for lunch, an area which has spectacular views. On its Inca terraces. Afterwards, we will return to our campsite the way to Llulluchapampa we stop at one of the most exclusive in the middle of Patallacta where we will eat dinner, and spend sites on the Inca Trail, the Inca fort of Paucarcancha, which has the night. well-preserved ruins and a sacred temple. Finally, we will arrive at Llulluchapampa for dinner and camping (3,800m/12,460ft). Our campsite here is sparsely populated and very scenic. DAY 03 Llulluchapampa DAY 04 Phuyupatamarca Phuyupatamarca Today is our longest day involving two high mountain passes. We will steadily ascend to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Women’s pass), the hardest and longest climb on the Inca Aguas Calientes Trail at 4,200m/13,692ft. At the top, we stop to admire our accomplishment, before enjoying our descent to the Pacaymayo River only to again ascend up to the ruins of Runkuraqay, the second pass at 4,050m/13,200ft. From here we walk down to the ruins at (3,850m/12,551ft) passing a dry lake and the first glimpses of the cloud Today we visit three major Inca sites, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and forest overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Lunch will be at Wiñay Wayna, before we finally arrive at Machu Picchu late in the day. Chaquicocha, a mountain in the cloud forest. We continue First we will wake up to explore the Phuyupatamarca ruins before hiking along the mountain ridge with a beautiful views descending into the cloud forest. Our next stop, will be the ruins of of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo., until we reach Wiñay Wayna, built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. Phuyupatamarca, where we camp for the night. Here, we will relax and eat lunch. In the afternoon we will arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate () at the perfect time of day for great photos of this citadel. We will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to our hotel. Dinner is not included this day, so you can enjoy one the many restaurants in Aguas Calientes. DAY 05 Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes Return To Cusco

After breakfast, we will take a half-hour bus ride to Machu Picchu for an extensive 2 ½ hour tour about Andean history and culture. Afterwards free time will be given to wander around the citadel or climb Huayna Picchu, the highest peaked mountain of Machu Picchu with even more Inca structures at the peak (we can help you book the mandatory tickets for this unforgettable hike in advance). Together, we will return to the Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have your choice of restaurants for lunch. After lunch, we will take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and then the van back to Cusco.

At the agreed time we will visit to your Hotel. Your briefing is usually programmed one day before your program and usually in the evening. However If your program starts on a Monday, BRIEFING your briefing will be programmed for the Saturday prior to your program and during the morning only. Therefore, please consider this when booking your flights to Cusco. All of our guides have studied Tourism at Cusco National University. They have all grown up in the region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage and culture. We are very careful to choose the best guides for Every guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory each group they are highly trained, have excellent language proficiency and communication skills and are regularly training sessions every February, which every single SPE tour guide must attend. Your evaluated by the service reports each guest fills in after each service. tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly We also have guides proficient in several languages besides English and Spanish, including French, Italian, German, for and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for special requests In all of our treks, not only on the Inca Trail, there will be a guide for every 8 guests with one of treatment. Every guide is also equipted with a radio comunication that can be used them being the head guide. This ensures a higher safety and attention to guests versus other operators. anywhere on the mountain to connect anywhere in the world in case of an emergency. For an extra cost, these can be used for personal calls as well. porters We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag so we limit duffel-bag weights to 7 kg/ 14 lbs, which should chefs include your sleeping bag and air mattress is no additional fee for this. Besides they also carry all the necessary equipment and logistics to The SPE chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. We honor all hike and camp (tents, food, gear, etc). Without porters, climbing the Inca food restrictions. Be sure to remind your tour guide of any food restrictions at the beginning of Trail would be close to impossible for most people. They will set up all your trek. Food is typically served family-style. You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each your tents, help cook and serve you amazing food, prepare hot water to day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack each morning will also be wash with, welcome you happily to each site…all with a smile on their provided for you to enjoy along the hike. We will provide purified water needed at meal times to face. We strive to keep our porters well cared for and healthy. drink and refill a reusable water bottle or camel back (we recommend at least 3L capacity to last between meals. Southern Explorers prides ourselves on our equipment! We choose best quality equipment employing excellent brands: North Face, Eureka, Therm-Rest, Coleman, Seatosummit, Performance Tents, inflatable mattress, sleeping pads, orthopedic foamy three-level, surgical steel for best hygiene, best water filters, among others. All this equipment is checked for quality before each trek and renewed every year making sure every trekker is comfortable and safe.

All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to KM 82, to begin your trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco. Your round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included. RETURN BY TRAIN TO CUSCO

The train from Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu, is included. Our The Peruvian government allows only a few agencies to operate Inca Trail treks. After an train tickets are expedition class, but upon request can be upgraded to the Vistadome extensive examination of our staff, equipments, and business practices, we have received our train panoramic class for $75 extra per person. Also part of your transportation is authorization for Inca Trail. As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase a round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. After you take the your permits pending availability. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t train back from Aguas Calientes to the train station in Ollantaytambo, the our private be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit bus will bring you back to directly to your Hotel in Cusco. includes an entrance to Machu Picchu. We included a small details that make us a different from other tour companies. All our clients receive a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mat for insulation, or day rain cover to protect their backpacks while they hiking. Or after the tour ask in our office for free t-shirts, cap, etc. We will work hard to create your best vacation.

DUFFLE BAG water We have one of the most outstanding meal services in the field: Our chefs have been At the briefing time you will receive a duffle bag to put your From your first day lunch time until your last breakfast highly trained by several institutes in Lima and Cusco. You should be prepared to not belongings it will be carried by our porters this bag should during the alll hike, water is included at meal times to drink, only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one, including generous and not exceed 6 kg. or 12 Lbs. and this will be included your and will be refill reusable water bottles to hike ,this water delicious breakfasts, snacks, lunches, tea services and dinners. Our delectable menus sleeping bag and you will not have access to your duffel bag will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. include a variety of Peruvian and international food and also cater for vegetarian during the hiking time or between the campsites, so all items (we recommend at least 2L capacity to last between meals). and other dietary needs at no extra cost. Southern Peru Explorers is recognized for needed while hiking must be carried in a personal backpack We will refill our waters at each meals time, you will need to its buffet meals, the quantity and quality of food, and its freshness. during the trek while you will be hiking. bring your own water cooler or bottle. t-shirt cap

The Therma – Rest mattress delivers more warmth and comfort per ounce than any other three- season air mattress available. Softer fabrics bring better next-to-skin comfort and a boost in durability, all with no added weight. For the discerning alpinist, thru-hiker or backcountry minimalist who’s counting every ounce, there is simply no better choice to assure the kind of rest you need to enjoy tomorrow. backpack cover included

Private Services These services are arranged just for you and your party, and offer the possibility to choose the departure date, the group size and the duration of the trek. This not only has the - Original passport (with more than 6 months from expiration) advantage of adapting the pace to your physical condition, but also usually means enjoying quieter campsites and meeting - A daypack to carry your personal belongings less travelers along the route. All private groups include - Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support additional services, such as extra porters/wranglers to - Warm clothes, fleece and layers for variable carry your personal gear, hight quality camping equipment, highly experienced cheffs, outstanding gourmet menus and - temperatures (especially at night) a number of other much appreciated details we have made - T-shirts and trekking pants reality through our thorough planning and broad creative - Camera and extra batteries capacity. - Small size binoculars

- Wide-brimmed hats, with a broad visor to keep the sun off Group Services your face

You’ll be joining a group of other trekkers like you coming - Sunscreen SPF30+ from different parts of the world, a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends. Our Group Services have set - Lip balm and Insect repellent (50% DEET) departure dates, please contact us. - Sunglasses

Mineral Water - Rain Gear: rain jacket or rain poncho Breakfast on Day 1, dinner on day 4, and all meals on Day 5 - Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel, moist towelettes Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain 75.00 USD - Refillable water bottle Walking Sticks 25.00 USD Sleeping bag 25.00 USD