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Inca Trail Information Sheet

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INTRODUCTION

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America and with its spectacular setting in a part of the Andes still rich in relics of the Inca civilization, its renown is justified in every respect. Built over 500 years ago, this mythical trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu was a pilgrimage route reserved only for Inca nobility. It remains an exclusive trail, with permit numbers 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 trek in the world. The Inca Trail trek allows the opportunity to explore extraordinary ruins, enjoy beautiful mountain views, walk through strikingly different climatic zones and finally experience the unique feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot.

There are several options for the Inca Trail trek with Chimu, from Short and Classic versions to Superior and Grand options. This enables you to experience the awe and glory of Incan history at your 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

Here’s a quick link for more information about South America’s best treks

Top Five treks in Latin America Click here

� The “Inca Trail” travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Inca Trail so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst we endeavour to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.

� The Inca Trail involves trekking over several high passes up to 4200m and involves steep descents on old Inca steps - it is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should have a reasonable level of fitness.

� Please note that there is now an entry fee for anyone wanting to trek up Huayna Picchu when on an Inca Trail Trek. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to hike this mountain to ensure that we book the Inca Trail Permit inclusive of Huayna Picchu entry for you. If you decide at a later stage that you wish to trek up Huayna Picchu then there will be an additional cost of $83 (subject to change) to amend and rebook your permit and there are no guarantees that we will be able to secure a permit for you. The number of daily visitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 400 and permits are on a first come first served basis. Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu (Quechua: “Young Peak”) rises over Machu Picchu and divides it into sections. The Incas built a trail up the side of Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 metres (8,920 ft.) above sea level, or about 360 metres (1,180 ft.) higher than Machu Picchu. A steep and at times exposed climb leads to the summit. Some portions are slippery and steel cables provide some support.

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

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February. � Please note last minute international and internal flight

changes, train times changes, also excess baggage charges are out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning these treks and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run these exceptional trips.

� The majority of dietary and medical requirements can be catered for, but we must be notified of these at the time of booking. Obtaining the correct vaccinations and visas required for Peru is the individual passenger’s responsibility.

� You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, white-water rafting, inflatable canoeing, mountain biking 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 travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors are out of our control.

� A pre-departure meeting will be held the night before your trek at 1900 in your hotel reception. It is important that you attend. Your guide will hold the trip briefing and you will be given an outline of what lies ahead and asked for details of your travel insurance as well as a photocopy of your passport and Peru entry stamp. The guide will check that your passport matches the Inca Trail permit and check any dietary or medical requirements, sleeping bag requirements (US$30 cash) and you will be asked to sign a risk assumption form.

� The guide will hand out the kit bags for the Porter carried items – 5kgs for Classic, 8kgs for Superior and 12kgs for Grand Inca Trail Treks.

� Please ensure you bring your passport with you on the trek as you will not be allowed on the train or into Machu Picchu without it and your passport is also required for hotel check-ins.

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

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2. TOUR INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

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

Key Inclusions: � An Inca trail pre night briefing � 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 first-aid kit and oxygen � Minimum 2 people, maximum 16 people in one group

Not Included: � Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu � Thermal Pools in Aguas Calientes

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2.2 CLASSIC Inca Trail (6D/5N)

Key Inclusions: � An Inca trail pre night briefing � 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 � 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 � Meals as outlined in itinerary, including all meals on trek � An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen � Porters for personal gear up to 5kg per pack � Minimum 2 people, maximum 16 people in one group

Not included: � Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, you will be

able to hire one at the pre-trek briefing, payable in cash in Cusco)

� Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu � Thermal Pools in Aguas Calientes

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2.3 SUPERIOR Inca Trail (7D/6N)

Key Inclusions: � An Inca trail pre night briefing � Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail in a private vehicle � All camping and cooking equipment including Thermarests, spacious two-person tents,

dining tent and toilet tent � A registered English-speaking Inca Trail guide, all porters, cook team, guided tour in Machu

Picchu � 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 Vistadome Train service and

bus transfer � Superior category hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes � Meals as outlined in itinerary, including all meals on trek � An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen � Porters for personal gear up to 8kg per pack � Minimum 2 people, maximum 16 people in one group

Not Included: � Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, you will be able to hire one at the pre-trek

briefing, payable in cash in Cusco) � Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu � Thermal Pools in Aguas Calientes

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2.4 GRAND Inca Trail (7D/6N)

Key Inclusions: � An Inca trail pre night briefing � Pick-up from your hotel, transport to the Inca Trail in a private

vehicle � All camping and cooking equipment: this includes self-

inflating 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 � 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

Vistadome Train service and private transfer � Deluxe category hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes � All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary � An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen � Porters for personal gear up to 12kg per pack � Minimum 2 people, maximum 16 people in one group �

Not Included: � Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu � Thermal Pools in Aguas Calientes

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2.5 Comparison of Inclusions for Inca Trails

SHORT CLASSIC SUPERIOR GRAND

DURATION 4D/3N 6D/5N 7D/6N 7D/6N

INCA TRAIL PRE NIGHT BRIEFING

Included Included Included Included

INCLUDED CAMPING EQUIPMENT

N/A Sleeping Mats2 Person TentsDining TentToilet Tent

Therm-a-restsSpacious 2 Person TentsDining TentToilet Tent

Self-inflating deluxe mattress (5cm thick)Spacious 2 Person TentsDining TentToilet TentShower TentSleeping Bags, Pillows, Blankets

GUIDE Registered English Speaking Guide

Registered English Speaking Inca Trail Guide



PORTERS N/A Included - personal gear up to 5kg

Included - personal gear up to 8kg

Included - personal gear up to 12kg

COOK TEAM N/A Included Included Included

MEALS 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch Box, 1 Dinner

See Itinerary See Itinerary Deluxe Menu with Alcoholic Beverages

MASSEUSE N/A Not Included Not Included Included

CHAMPAGNE AT SUN GATE Not Included Not Included Not Included Included

INCLUDED ENTRANCE FEES Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Guided Tour Machu PicchuInca Trail & Machu Picchu Guided Tour Machu Picchu

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Guided Tour Machu Picchu

BUS TRANSFERS RUINAS TO AGUAS CALIENTES


TRANSPORT MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

Tourist Train, Private Transfer

Tourist Train, Private Transfer

Vistadome Train, Bus Transfer

Vistadome Train, Private Transfer

ACCOMMODATION - CUSCO, AGUAS CALIENTES

Standard Category Hotels Standard Category Hotels Superior Category Hotels Deluxe Category Hotels

EMERGENCY 1ST AID KIT & OXYGEN


GROUP SIZE Min 2, Max 16 Min 2, Max 16 Min 2, Max 16 Min 2, Max 16

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3. INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST

On the Inca Trail treks you are likely to experience all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day it is often sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts, though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It gets cold especially in the evenings (as low as -5°C whilst camping) so a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and wool or fleece hat are recommended. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip if you are taking the Classic or Superior Inca Trail 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. fleeces and/or lined jacket) � Gloves, scarf and wool/fleece hat � Water bottle and sterilising tablets � Flashlight/torch & spare batteries � Broad-brim or peaked cap � Sun block & lip balm

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� Sunglasses � 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 the day and so you will need to carry a water bottle with sufficient water for up to 3 - 4 hours hiking.

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4. CLIMATE CHART

MONTH AV. MAX. TEMP (ºC) AV. MIN. TEMP (ºC) NO. WET DAYSJanuary 20 7 18

February 21 7 13

March 21 7 11

April 22 4 8

May 21 2 3

June 21 1 2

July 21 -1 2

August 21 1 2

September 22 4 7

October 22 6 8

November 23 6 12

December 22 7 16

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 tips as 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 fit.

Generally money is put in a “kitty” for the porters by a member of the group, and is then divided between them later. We recommend that 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 confirmed itinerary for your confirmed hotel or hotels.

SHORT Inca Trail:

Wakapunku Boutique HotelLocated just two blocks from Cusco’s main plaza, only a very short stroll from some of Cusco’s top bars and restaurants 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 weary traveller, offering exceptional service to match the hotel’s exceptional value. Each room is unique in its layout and provides an oasis of calm in Cusco.

Calle Choquechaca 133, Centro Historico Cusco, Peru +51 84 22 6631

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Imperio Machupicchu The Hotel Imperio Machupicchu offers all the basic services of a 3 star hotel, meeting all the requirements that are needed to make guests feel at home. The rooms have a warm, cosy and comfortable environment, with a selection of the best quality bedding, towels and amenities in the rooms.

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

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CLASSIC Inca Trail:

Wakapunku Boutique HotelLocated just two blocks from Cusco’s main plaza, only a very short stroll from some of Cusco’s top bars and restaurants 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 weary traveller, offering exceptional service to match the hotel’s exceptional value. Each room is unique in its layout and provides an oasis of calm in Cusco.

Calle Choquechaca 133, Centro Historico Cusco, Peru +51 84 22 6631

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SUPERIOR Inca Trail:

Casa Andina Private Collections This hotel is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. This large old colonial house has become one of the finest boutique hotels in the city. It has 72 rooms (with oxygen upon request), large courtyards and a gourmet restaurant and bar.

Zetas 473 Cusco, Peru +51 84 232610

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Alternatively we may use the following hotel:

El Mercado TunquiEl Mercado is a new chic hotel located in the heart of Cusco. Celebrated for its customer service, the elegant and welcoming El Mercado Tunqui is located only a couple of blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas. Formerly part of the old farmer’s market, El Mercado Tunqui was designed to incorporate some of the elements of the market in its original décor, friendly casual atmosphere and innovative cuisine. The rooms are charming and well equipped, boasting traditional decor and homely comforts. There is a courtyard with fire pit where you can relax and enjoy the warm Peruvian atmosphere. The restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced market food and in the breakfast room fresh juices and smoothies are made to order to accompany the extensive menu of breakfast foods.

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

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El Mapi El Mapi offers cosy and serene accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), incorporating stylish, casual design with the essential comforts. With a simple, functional concept in mind, the rooms have eco-friendly amenities, creating a healthier, restorative environment for you during your stay in Machu Picchu.

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

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GRAND Inca Trail

La Casona – Cusco La Casona Cusco Hotel is the first luxury boutique hotel in Cusco, reflecting a privileged melange of culture and tradition. The hotel is a colonial manor house - perhaps the first Spanish construction in Cusco - centrally located on an Incan settlement near the present-day main square. Eleven suites surround a sumptuous courtyard, where the patina of time is tastefully preserved. Contemporary amenities create the ambience of comfort and exclusivity enjoyed by residents in centuries past.

Plazoleta Nazarenas 167 Cusco, Peru+51 1 610 0400

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Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel The luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is a cloud forest paradise, an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean village style within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty. Follow stone pathways along the terraced hills taking in the sacred energy of the mountains. Indulge in Inkaterra’s spa treatments that use sublime natural essences. A first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the 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 of breath and heart pounding are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. For some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a condition known as altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) with resulting headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, insomnia, dizziness and sometimes nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day or two at altitude. To prevent altitude sickness you should try to take things easy as soon as you arrive, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not plan any strenuous treks until you have acclimatized for a few days. You should avoid alcohol, 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 and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. After recovery you can re-ascend slowly or in stages. Some visitors use the drug Diamox to speed up the acclimatization process and counteract the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Cusco is located at an altitude of 3400m above sea level. If arriving from sea level, for example from Lima, we recommend that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco prior to starting the Inca Trail. This 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 donate any 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 planted over 205,000 trees since 2007. We are dedicated to reducing our ‘foot-print’ by reducing waste, sourcing produce as locally as possible, recycling and discouraging the use of plastic bottles.

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

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10. RECOMMENDED READING

� Turn Right at Machu Picchu - Mark Adams � The White Rock or Cochineal Red - Hugh Thomson � Bradt Peruvian Wildlife - Gerard Cheshire, Huw Lloyd & Barry Walker � Exploring Cusco - Peter Frost � The Inca Trail - Richard Danbury � Neo-tropical Companion - John C Kricher � The 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

Enjoy your journey!

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

The Team at Chimu Adventures

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inca trail information sheet - chimu adventures · inca trail packing list 10 4. climate chart 12...

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