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235B Dairy Flat Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632 New ZealandPhone: +64 9 950 5918 Email: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

! e Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America and withits spectacular setting in a part of the Andes still rich in relics of the Inca civilization, its renown isjustifi ed in every respect. Built over 500 years ago, this mythical trail to the lost city of Machu Pic-chu was a pilgrimage route reserved only for Inca nobility. It remains an exclusive trail, with permitnumbers strictly controlled.From windswept mountain passes to lush tropical jungle and from bustling villages to lonely ruins,this is the journey of a lifetime through some of the most beautiful and varied scenery of any trekin the world. ! e Inca Trail trek allows the opportunity to explore extraordinary ruins, enjoy beau-tiful mountain views, walk through strikingly diff erent climatic zones and fi nally experience the unique feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot.

Inca Trail Information Sheet

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! ere are several options for the Inca Trail trek with Viva, from Short and Classic versions toSuperior and Grand options. ! is enables you to experience the awe and glory of Incan history atyour own pace and comfort level.

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CONTENTS

Introduction 1

1. General Information 3

2. Tour Inclusions and Exclusions 5

2.1 THE SHORT Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights) 5

2.2 CLASSIC Inca Trail (6D/5N) 6

2.3 SUPERIOR Inca Trail (7D/6N) 7

2.4 GRAND Inca Trail (7D/6N) 8

2.5 Comparison of Inclusions for Inca Trails 9

3. Inca Trail Packing List 10

4. Climate Chart 12

5. Tipping 12

6. Accommodation 13

SHORT Inca Trail 13

CLASSIC Inca Trail 15

SUPERIOR Inca Trail 16

GRAND Inca Trail 19

7. Inca Trail Map 21

8. Altitude Sickness 22

9. Additional Information 22

10. Recommended Reading 23


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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

• ! e “Inca Trail” travels through a remote and rarely visited partof Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that theremoteness that makes the Inca Trail so very special couldalso cause certain problems. ! us, whilst we endeavour tominimise the chances of anything unexpected happening,it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidlyadhered to. ! is is the very nature of Adventure Travel andwe expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slightalterations in our programmed events.

• ! e Inca Trail involves trekking over several high passes upto 4200m and involves steep descents on old Inca steps - itis recommended that all clients should have some previoustrekking experience and should have a reasonable level offi tness.

• Please note that there is now an entry fee for anyone wantingto trek up Huayna Picchu when on an Inca Trail Trek. Pleaselet us know at the time of booking if you would like to hikethis mountain to ensure that we book the Inca Trail Permitinclusive of Huayna Picchu entry for you. If you decide at alater stage that you wish to trek up Huayna Picchu then therewill be an additional cost of $83 (subject to change) to amendand rebook your permit and there are no guarantees that wewill be able to secure a permit for you. ! e number of dailyvisitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 400and permits are on a fi rst come fi rst served basis.Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu (Quechua: “Young Peak”) rises over Machu Picchu and dividesit into sections. ! e Incas built a trail up the side of Huayna Picchu and built temples andterraces on its top. ! e peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 metres (8,920 ft.) above sealevel, or about 360 metres (1,180 ft.) higher than Machu Picchu. A steep and at times exposedclimb leads to the summit. Some portions are slippery and steel cables provide somesupport.

• Please note that the Inca Trail is closed annually every February for cleaning andmaintenance. Alternative trek routes such as the Lares and Salkantay Treks are available in February.


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• Please note last minute international and internal fl ightchanges, train times changes, also excess baggage chargesare out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of anychanges in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken allthese possibilities into account when planning these treks andhave allowed suffi cient leeway to enable us to successfully runthese exceptional trips.

• ! e majority of dietary and medical requirements can becatered for, but we must be notifi ed of these at the time ofbooking. Obtaining the correct vaccinations and visas requiredfor Peru is the individual passenger’s responsibility.

• You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particulartrekking, white-water rafting, infl atable canoeing, mountainbiking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru,does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client,will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travelinsurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred dueto sickness, delayed fl ights and other factors are out of ourcontrol.

• A pre-departure meeting will be held the night before yourtrek at 1900 in your hotel reception. It is important that youattend. Your guide will hold the trip briefi ng and you will begiven an outline of what lies ahead and asked for details ofyour travel insurance as well as a photocopy of your passportand Peru entry stamp. ! e guide will check that your passportmatches the Inca Trail permit and check any dietary or medicalrequirements, sleeping bag requirements (US$30 cash) andyou will be asked to sign a risk assumption form.

• ! e guide will hand out the kit bags for the Porter carrieditems – 5kgs for Classic, 8kgs for Superior and 12kgs forGrand Inca Trail Treks.

• Please ensure you bring your passport with you on the trekas you will not be allowed on the train or into Machu Picchuwithout it and your passport is also required for hotel checkins.

• If you have any problems at any time during your holiday please telephone the Cuscooffi ce (Mon – Fri, 8am- 2pm) on +51 84 261 369 or email [email protected] [email protected] or contact our Emergency out-of-hours mobiletelephone: +51 946028114


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2. TOUR INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

".# THE SHORT I T (+ D / 0 N)

Key Inclusions:

• An Inca trail pre night briefi ng

• Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the train station

• Tourist train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Km 104

• A registered English-speaking guide

• Meals during the excursion (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch Box, 1 Dinner)

• All entrances including the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

• Bus transfers between the ruins and Aguas Calientes

• Transport from Machu Picchu to your hotel in Cusco will be the Tourist Train service and private transfer to Cusco

• Standard category hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes

• An emergency fi rst-aid kit and oxygen

• Minimum 2 people, maximum 16 people in one group

Not Included:

• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu

• ! ermal Pools in Aguas Calientes


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"." CLASSIC I T (7D/8N)

Key Inclusions:


• Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail

• All camping and cooking equipment including sleeping mats, two-person tents, dining tent and toilet tent

• A registered English-speaking Inca Trail guide, all porters, cook team, guided tour in Machu Picchu



• Transport from Machu Picchu to your hotel in Cusco will be the Tourist Train service and private transfer to Cusco

• Standard category hotel in Cusco

• Meals as outlined in itinerary, including all meals on trek


• Porters for personal gear up to 5kg per pack


Not included:

• Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, you will be able to hire one at the pre-trek briefi ng, payable in cash in Cusco)




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".0 SUPERIOR I T (9D/7N)

Key Inclusions:


• Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail in a private vehicle

• All camping and cooking equipment including ! ermarests, spacious two-person tents, dining

tent and toilet tent

• A registered English-speaking Inca Trail guide, all porters, cook team, guided tour in Machu Pic-

chu



• Transport from Machu Picchu to your hotel in Cusco will be the Vistadome Train service and bus

transfer

• Superior category hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes

• Meals as outlined in itinerary, including all meals on trek




Not included:

• Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, you will be able to hire one at the pre-trek brief-

ing, payable in cash in Cusco)




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".+ GRAND I T (9D/7N)

Key Inclusions:


• Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail in a private vehicle

• All camping and cooking equipment: this includes selfi nfl ating

deluxe mattress (5cm thick), spacious two-person

tents, dining tent, toilet tent and shower tent.

• Sleeping bags, pillow & blankets

• Masseuse

• Deluxe menu including alcoholic beverages

• Champagne at the Sun Gate

• Stainless steel cutlery & china crockery

• A registered English-speaking Inca Trail guide, all porters,

cook team, guided tour in Machu Picchu



• Transport from Machu Picchu to your hotel in Cusco will be the

Vistadome Train service and private transfer

• Deluxe category hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes

• All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary




Not included:




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".8 C I I T


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3. INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST

On the Inca Trail treks you are likely to experience all extremes ofPeruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine.During the day it is often sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts,though having a fl eece and rain gear handy is advisable. It getscold especially in the evenings (as low as -5°C whilst camping) soa warm fl eece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothesincluding thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and wool or fl eece hatare recommended. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for yourenjoyment of this trip if you are taking the Classic or Superior IncaTrail options.

What to bring:

• Daypack (a 35 litre day-sack is a recommended volume) & rain cover

• A soft trek bag (this will be given to the porters with the belongings you don’t wish to carry with you while hiking e.g. sleeping bag, mat, extra clothes, toiletries). Alternatively kit bags are available for use during the trek

• Sleeping bag (-5°C) (NB. Not needed on Short or Grand Inca Trail)

• Rainwear (waterproof jacket/poncho & trousers)

• Walking boots

• Complete change of clothing

• Socks/underwear/thermal underwear

• Trekking trousers or zip-off shorts

• After trekking trousers/shirt/sandals

• Warm layers (e.g. fl eeces and/or lined jacket)

• Gloves, scarf and wool/fl eece hat

• Water bottle and sterilising tablets

• Flashlight/torch & spare batteries

• Broad-brim or peaked cap

• Sun block & lip balm

• Sunglasses


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• Insect repellent• Toiletries, toilet paper & small towel• Selection of small snacks such as chocolates, dried fruit, biscuits, etc.• Camera (in plastic bag or dry-sack) with spare memory cards, batteries• Cash (for minor purchases on trek, tips, souvenirs, lunch in Aguas Calientes etc.)• Passport• Money belt• Trekking poles (optional) – must be rubber tipped• Book, notepaper & pen (optional)• Personal First Aid Kit to include painkillers, plasters (Band-Aids), moleskin, antiseptic cream,• after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication

Please note that you will probably be separated from your guide and porters for portions of theday and so you will need to carry a water bottle with suffi cient water for up to 3 - 4 hours hiking.


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4. CLIMATE CHART

5. TIPPING

Please note that tips for your porters and guides are welcomed.Although we do pay our staff well, these staff members rely on tipsas part of their regular salary. We recommend tipping the following:

• Guides: US$15–25 per person, for the duration of the trek

• Porters: US$10–20 per person, for the duration of the trek

Please note that this is a guide, and tips can be what you deem fi t.Generally money is put in a “kitty” for the porters by a member ofthe group, and is then divided between them later. We recommendthat you carry local currency for tips in small denominations.


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6. ACCOMMODATION

Please note that the accommodation detailed below for each trek is a suggested guide only and

subject to change. Please consult your confi rmed itinerary for your confi rmed hotel or hotels.

SHORT I T:

Wakapunku Boutique Hotel

Located just two blocks from Cusco’s main plaza, onlya very short stroll from some of Cusco’s top bars andrestaurants is the Wakapunku Boutique Hotel. Meaning“Door to the Sanctuary” in the native Quechua language,the hotel provides a warm and inviting feel to the wearytraveller, off ering exceptional service to match the hotel’sexceptional value. Each room is unique in its layout andprovides an oasis of calm in Cusco.

Calle Choquechaca 133, Centro HistoricoCusco, Peru+51 84 22 6631


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Imperio Machupicchu

! e Hotel Imperio Machupicchu off ers all the basic services ofa 3 star hotel, meeting all the requirements that are needed tomake guests feel at home. ! e rooms have a warm, cosy andcomfortable environment, with a selection of the best qualitybedding, towels and amenities in the rooms.

Calle Winat Wayna Urb 3Aguas Calientes, Peru+51 84 211 368


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CLASSIC I T:

Wakapunku Boutique Hotel

Located just two blocks from Cusco’s main plaza, onlya very short stroll from some of Cusco’s top bars andrestaurants is the Wakapunku Boutique Hotel. Meaning“Door to the Sanctuary” in the native Quechua language,the hotel provides a warm and inviting feel to the wearytraveller, off ering exceptional service to match the hotel’sexceptional value. Each room is unique in its layout andprovides an oasis of calm in Cusco.

Calle Choquechaca 133, Centro HistoricoCusco, Peru+51 84 22 6631


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SUPERIOR I T:

Casa Andina Private Collections

! is hotel is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manorhouse, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, repletewith authentic colonial character. It off ers the intimacy ofa boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a muchlarger property. ! is large old colonial house has becomeone of the fi nest boutique hotels in the city. It has 72rooms (with oxygen upon request), large courtyards and agourmet restaurant and bar.

Zetas 473Cusco, Peru+51 84 232610


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Alternatively we may use the following hotel:

El Mercado Tunqui

El Mercado is a new chic hotel located in the heart ofCusco. Celebrated for its customer service, the elegantand welcoming El Mercado Tunqui is located only a coupleof blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas.Formerly part of the old farmer’s market, El Mercado Tunquiwas designed to incorporate some of the elements of themarket in its original décor, friendly casual atmosphereand innovative cuisine. ! e rooms are charming and wellequipped, boasting traditional decor and homely comforts.! ere is a courtyard with fi re pit where you can relax andenjoy the warm Peruvian atmosphere. ! e restaurant off ers fresh, locally sourced market food andin the breakfast room fresh juices and smoothies are made to order to accompany the extensivemenu of breakfast foods.

Calle 7 Cuartones 306,Cusco, Peru+51 84 582 640


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El Mapi

El Mapi off ers cosy and serene accommodation in MachuPicchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), incorporatingstylish, casual design with the essential comforts. Witha simple, functional concept in mind, the rooms haveeco-friendly amenities, creating a healthier, restorativeenvironment for you during your stay in Machu Picchu.

Av. Pachacutec,Aguas Calientes, Peru+51 1 4226574


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GRAND I T

La Casona – Cusco

La Casona Cusco Hotel is the fi rst luxury boutique hotelin Cusco, refl ecting a privileged melange of culture andtradition. ! e hotel is a colonial manor house - perhapsthe fi rst Spanish construction in Cusco - centrally locatedon an Incan settlement near the present-day main square.Eleven suites surround a sumptuous courtyard, wherethe patina of time is tastefully preserved. Contemporaryamenities create the ambience of comfort and exclusivityenjoyed by residents in centuries past.

Plazoleta Nazarenas 167Cusco, Peru+51 1 610 0400


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Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

! e luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is a cloud forestparadise, an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawlingAndean village style within the secluded 12 acres ofexquisite beauty. Follow stone pathways along the terracedhills taking in the sacred energy of the mountains. Indulgein Inkaterra’s spa treatments that use sublime naturalessences. A fi rst-class restaurant boasts stunning views ofthe rushing Vilcanota River.

Railroad Km 110,Aguas Calientes, Peru+ 51 1 610 0400


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7. INCA TRAIL MAP


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8. ALTITUDE SICKNESS

On reaching heights above 3000m, shortness ofbreath and heart pounding are a normal response tothe lack of oxygen in the air. For some visitors thesesymptoms can deteriorate into a condition known asaltitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) withresulting headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness,insomnia, dizziness and sometimes nausea. Symptomsusually develop within the fi rst day or two at altitude. Toprevent altitude sickness you should try to take thingseasy as soon as you arrive, rest and drink plenty offl uids. Do not plan any strenuous treks until you have acclimatized for a few days. You should avoidalcohol, cigarettes and heavy foods. Drinking mate de coca, an infusion of coca leaves may help.If symptoms become more severe and prolonged you should quickly seek medical attention andmake arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. After recovery you can re-ascend slowly or instages. Some visitors use the drug Diamox to speed up the acclimatization process and counteractthe symptoms of altitude sickness.Cusco is located at an altitude of 3400m above sea level. If arriving from sea level, for examplefrom Lima, we recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco prior to starting the Inca Trail.! is will allow you to acclimatise and give you time to enjoy the beautiful city and its surrounds.

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donateany outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc. they will be gratefully received by any of our staff .

• We support a local native-tree re-forestation program www.ecoanperu.org and have plantedover 205,000 trees since 2007. We are dedicated to reducing our ‘foot-print’ by reducingwaste, sourcing produce as locally as possible, recycling and discouraging the use of plasticbottles.

• If you would like to give a donation to a charity whilst in Peru then do look at Chicuchas Wasi –! e Children’s Project. ! e charity’s focus is on providing free education by teaching academicskills to poor indigenous girls who are otherwise forgotten by mainstream education. One ofour head guides was a student and is now a patron. ! e school can be contacted directly byvisiting their website: www.chicuchaswasi.org.


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10. RECOMMENDED READING

• Turn Right at Machu Picchu - Mark Adams• ! e White Rock or Cochineal Red - Hugh ! omson• Bradt Peruvian Wildlife - Gerard Cheshire, Huw Lloyd & Barry Walker• Exploring Cusco - Peter Frost• ! e Inca Trail - Richard Danbury• Neo-tropical Companion - John C Kricher• ! e Last Days of the Incas - Kim MacQuarrie• Conquest of the Incas - John Hemming• Birds of Peru - Clive Byers• Lost City of the Incas - Hiram Bingham• Touching the Void - Joe Simpson• Into the Forests of the Night - John Simpson• Inca Gold - Clive Cussler• Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg• Inca Kola - Matthew Paris• 1491 - Charles Mann• Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan• Manu or Where the Andes Meets the Amazon - Kim MacQuarrie & Andre Bartschii


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Enjoy your journey!

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!

THE TEAM AT VIVA EXPEDITIONS

i t i ()%*#+&) s,--+from windswept mountain passes to lush tropical jungle and from bustling...

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