Day 1. CUSCO - HUANCACALLE

You will be picked up from your hotel and travel by overnight bus to Huancacalle, where we arrive at approximately 5.00 or 6.00 am.

Day 2. HUANCACALLE – VILCABAMBA LA NUEVA

In Huancacalle we will have a short rest in our tents (depends on how you feel). Later we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos -Rosaspatas and Ñusta Hispana. At around noon we will have lunch in Huancacalle, after which we start hiking towards Vilcabamba la Nueva, (New Vilcabamba) about 3 hours away. Here we will visit the Franciscan Colonial Church, as well as the Yupaccrumi stone which shows footprints of different animals. We will stay overnight in Vilcabamba which is situated 3,250 meters above sea level.

Day 3. VILCABAMBA LA NUEVA - UTUTO

After breakfast, we will hike to Ututo in about 8 hours (2,800 meters above sea level). From Ututo we begin to descend into the jungle with its wonderful landscapes and enormous diversity of flora and fauna. We will stay the night in Ututo at the banks of the Ututo River.

Day 4. UTUTO – VISTA ALEGRE

After breakfast, we will walk from Ututo to Vista Alegre, which will take us about 8 hours. We will cross bridges and see some Inca constructions - some small archaeological sites that are rather hidden in the vegetation. We will stay the night in Vista Alegre. (1,550 meters above sea level.

Day 5. VISTA ALEGRE - CONCEVIDAYOC

After breakfast,we will hike from Vista Alegre to Concevidayoc (8 hours of hiking). We will cross more evidence of old Inca trails and will have the opportunity to see the Tunki bird, which is family of "Gallito de las rocas" (Cock of the Rock - the National Bird of Peru). In Concevidayoc we camp overnight (1,420 meters above sea level).

Day 6. CONCEVIDAYOC – ESPIRITU PAMPA

After breakfast, we will hike from Concevidayoc and after three hours will arrive in Espiritu Pampa. Here we can admire the remains of the archaeological site Espiritu Pampa, which is perhaps the most significant place on the trail as the site of the last capital of the Inca Empire. Therefore, we will take the rest of the day to visit these ruins. We will camp close to Espiritu Pampa. (1,200 meters above sea level).

Day 7. ESPIRITU PAMPA - ECHARATI

After breakfast we will hike from Espiritu Pampa towards Chiguanguire, which will take us around 5 hours. There are many different landscapes and a huge diversity of flora and fauna in this tropical area, which is located at 800 meters above sea level. The lunch will be in Chiguanguire. Afterwards we will go by car to the Seven Tinajas (Seven Waterfalls/baths) near Quillabamba (6 hours of traveling), where we will stay the night.

Day 8. ECHARATI - CUSCO

On this final day of our trip we will visit the seven enormous Tinajas; which are natural formations of water. After lunch we will go to Quillabamba (30 minutes by car) and finally return to Cusco (6 - 8 hours by car).

INCLUDED:

• Private transport from the hotel to Huancacalle.
• High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5kgs, both for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
• Professional bilingual guide.
• Cook and assistant.
• Horseman and mules, for all our camping and personal equipment of customer.
• Emergency horse.
• Transport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa.
• Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station.
• Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Cusco by bus.
• Familiar hostel in Huancacalle.
• Familiar hostel in Santa Teresa.
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
• Bus 2 ways, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Hostel in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu, continental or similar).
• First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first excursion day.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping bag (If you don’t have this, we can offer it).

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Remember you are packing for 5 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, STUDENT card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

• Hire of sleeping bag 5 season                      $25.00
• Walking stick highly recommended!          $15.00
• Single supplement                                         $60.00
• Additional night at 3 star hotel                    $85.00
• Huaynapicchu entrance                                 $30.00
• Machupicchu Entrance                                   $30.00

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

This is a very interesting hike that takes you to new and fascinating sights each day, including visits to the important archaeological sites of Ñusta Hispana, Vitcos and Rosaspata. We see spectacular mountains, and have panoramic views over valleys of both highlands and lowlands. This tour offers an excellent combination of culture and nature and is incomparable with any other hike. This tour is a real adventure and is recommended to people who like to get off the beaten track and do something different!