Barnes Family Trek: 20 - 24 November 2012
Barnes Family Trek: 20 - 24 November 2012
Before Phuyupatamarca, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones,
continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest
through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns...
Land Price (5 days/4 nights with 3 nights of camping)
US$ 2,090 per person with 4 trekkers
US$ 2,475 per person with 3 trekkers
The land price includes escorted transfers, private trek (with professional guide, porters and equipment), entrance fees, selected category of accommodations, gourmet cuisine (see details) with full board while on the Inca Trail, all transportation, and travel insurance for guests through the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a supplementary fee). All prices are per person based on two people sharing a guest room. For a detailed description of our services, see Opulent Itineraries.
Map
Other Treks
Royal Inca Trail
Porter on the trail toward Wiñayhuayna, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
One of the most popular treks in the world is, without doubt, the Inca Trail. It combines ancient archaeological sites, snow-covered mountain scenery, cloud forests and a rich biodiversity that includes many different species of birds and beautiful orchids. The trek ends at "The Lost City of the Incas" -- Machu Picchu. Here, travelers discover the highly sophisticated architecture of the Incas that amazed the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, when he discovered the citadel in 1911. Although the trek is rated as moderate; before starting, we strongly suggest spending at least two days at this elevation to totally adjust to the altitude.
The cities of the Incas were connected by well-made roads, of which the one from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, now called the Inca Trail, has become the most famous trekking route in South America. Our five-day program allows the traveler time to explore and enjoy the amazing archaeological sites, landscapes and nature along the way. While most other programs force trekkers to speed through the stunning high-altitude Inca Trail, We take the time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp the first three nights, enjoy great meals and sturdy tents. The hikes average six to seven hours each day, including some time to explore sites we pass through and to take in the unparalleled scenery. On the fourth afternoon, we arrive at Machu Picchu after the crowds have left, and have time to explore the tranquil ruins. After a well-deserved night in a comfortable hotel, we return to Machu Picchu to see the ruins in the perfect morning light. In the afternoon, we return to Cuzco by train. This program is specially designed to offer a more relaxed trek and a deeper understanding of Inca culture.
Your private trekking party will consist of yourselves, a select guide who is an expert in archaeology and ecology, a chef, a chief porter and two porters per trekker. The porters will carry the tents, sleeping bags and matresses, cooking gear, food, drinks and other necessary camping equipment, all of which will be provided. They also will carry each trekker's pack of personal items. Departure from or return to Ollantaytambo, instead of Cuzco, is optional. For a shorter version of the Inca Trail, we recommend our 4-day Inca Trail Classic trek. For a short version, see the Royal Inca Trail. A list of what to bring and a commentary about the archaeological sites, landscapes and nature appear in the Pre-Departure Information.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail
to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Luxury Inca Trail.
What our guests have to say:
My deepest appreciation goes to Omar, who really made the time on the Inca Trail special...
Omar Aragón was the best guide on the Inka Trail and for Machu Picchu. Despite inclement weather, he kept everyone's spirits high. His energy is contagious, and his friendly and welcome manner was appreciated. Would highly recommend Omar as a guide for Cusco, Inka Trail and Machu Picchu.
-- Ron Ellis
We camped off the beaten path and felt we had a unique experience
compared to other groups.
We had an wonderful time! Everything went totally smoothly without hitch or hangup. Our guide, Manuel Usca was absolutely incredible. A totally excellent person and master of the Inca Trail. We camped off the beaten path and felt we had a unique experience compared to other groups. I would recommend him HIGHLY to anyone wanting a once in a lifetime experience. Our porters and chef were also top notch -- they earned our admiration and respect. Thank you for arranging an amazing trip!
-- Matthew Dugan, Chelsea Dugan & Brian Jeffery
I'm infinitely glad that I engaged the services of Inka's Empire Tours...
Yes! We had a fantastic time. The tour was incredible and the quality of service impeccable. I must admit that the hike was harder than I had imagined but all the more spectacular and satisfying... Teddy was the best guide we could have hoped for. His knowledge of the flora and fauna combined with his understanding of history and archeology was amazing. We managed to camp in 3 beautiful spots and rarely saw other tourists along the way, except for at the highest pass. I think this had to do with Teddy's understanding of timing and the fact that we were doing the 5-day tour instead of the 4 day one. Most recommended because the feeling of having the Inca Trail all to yourself is well worth it... Both the evenings in the Sanctuary Lodge and the Monasterio were wonderful, a most appreciated luxury after 3 nights in tents.
-- Valerie Seefried
I don't know what to really say about this hike except that it is really amazing...
With respect to the porters, guide, chef everything was perfect. In fact, I actually preferred our chef's cooking to any of the restaurants. A little simpler food, which I enjoy. He did a great job with Jessica's dietary needs, in fact lots of the food was entirely vegetarian and I also enjoyed it. We had fun playing cards and drinking wine with the group. The wine was excellent. Having the portable toilet is a huge plus. I can say without that I don't think Jessica would have enjoyed herself. The tent and sleeping bags were good. We had followed the instructions you provided and were well prepared.
-- Edwin Upson & Jessica Sklute
Pyramidal Temple of
the Sun, Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Luxury Inca Trail.
Emergency numbers
Inka's Empire Tours
Contact: Martin Haggland
2345 Broadway, Suite 638, New York, New York 10024
+001 212-787-0500 (call collect)
E-mail: tours@inkas.com
Web site: www.inkas.com
Travel Guard
1145 Clark Street, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
24-hour international emergency medical and travel hotline:
+001-715-345-0505 (call collect)
E-mail and web site: www.travelguard.com
Insurance policy: 912736882
Local representatives
(When calling within the local area, dial only the numbers shown in bold.)
Lima, Peru
SouthWild
Calle Chinchón 901, Office 201, San Isidro, Lima 27, Perú
Tel: +(51-1) 422-9888 / 441-2491, Fax: +(51-1) 441-2490
Local emergency number
Operations
Giannina Rojas or María Elena Fernández: Tel: +(51) 961-763-935 (24 hours)
Cuzco, Peru
SouthWild
Av. 28 de Julio I-2-1, Urb. Ttio Wanchaq, Cuzco, Peru
Tel: +(51-84) 22-1753
Local emergency number
Operations
Karla Fernández, Pilar Estrada: Tel: +(51) 961-763-934 (24 hours)
Highlights
Notes:
Guests will arrive in Cuzco on 16 November 2012, 9:40 am, LA 2023, Record locator: ZYS2Y7
and will be staying at the Rio Sagrado Hotel.
Guest will depart Cuzco on 25 November, 4:25 pm, LA 2032, Record locator: ZYS2Y7
Cuzco
Friday, November, 16 2012: Pre-Trek Briefing. Your trekking guide or our representative will meet you at the airport for your Inca Trail pre-trek briefing in our nearby office. The purpose is to answer any questions you may have about the trek and to be sure you have all of the needed items. The briefing typically takes about one-half hour. At the same time, you can drink some maté de coca tea to help alleviate any symptons of Cuzco's high altitude. No other services are included until the morning of November 20.
Inca Trail (Llaqtapata)
Tuesday, November, 20 2012: Cuzco or Sacred Valley - Inca Trail (Chillca - Llaqtapata). Pick up at the location indicated by the guests for the drive to Chillca, our trailhead at Km. 77 of the Cuzco-Machu Picchu railroad. Forty-seven kilometers away, hidden in the mist, lies the fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Crossing a footbridge, we trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views of Mt. Veronica, with the turbulent Urubamba River on our right. We reach our campsite at the terraces of Llaqtapata, and explore the outlying areas of this ancient and massive complex.
Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa)
Wednesday, November 21: Inca Trail (Llaqtapata - Llulluchapampa). The trail climbs gently into the mountains through the last inhabited village of Huayllabamba, and then more steeply past a rushing stream through enchanted, native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. We camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif.
Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca)
Thursday, November 22: Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca). We climb to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 m/13,776 ft). Descending to the forested Pacamayo Valley, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again, past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. We reach the second pass, then descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca, an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. At the third pass, we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR SUSAN BARNES
Thursday, November 22: Sacred Valley - Vistadome to Machu Picchu. Pick up Susan Barnes at the Rio Sagrado and transfer to the Ollantaytambo Station for the 10: 32 am Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Arrival at 12:11 pm and check-in at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Lunch. Excursions offered on the hotel grounds, such as the nature walk, orchid tour, bird watching, a visit to the tea plantation and a twilight walk. Dinner and overnight in the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel -- 1 -- Superior De Luxe Room.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu ****
Línea Férrea Km 110, Aguas Calientes, Peru
Tel: +51 84 21 1032 / 21 1122 / 21 1123, Fax: +51 84 21 1124Inca Trail (Machu Picchu)
Friday, November 23: Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu). We explore Phuyupatamarca, then begin a long descent through cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna. In the afternoon, we follow the last stretch of trail to Intipunku and encounter a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We descend the royal flagstone walkway through the heart of Machu Picchu before staying overnight in the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Dinner and overnight in the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel -- 2 -- Superior De Luxe Rooms.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu ****
Línea Férrea Km 110, Aguas Calientes, Peru
Tel: +51 84 21 1032 / 21 1122 / 21 1123, Fax: +51 84 21 1124ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR SUSAN BARNES
Friday, November 23: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Lunch and excursions offered on the hotel grounds.
Cuzco
Saturday, November 24: Machu Picchu - Orient-Express Vistadome - Cuzco or Sacred Valley. We spend the day in both guided and individual exploration. Buffet luncheon. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train. Reception and transfer to the hotel indicated by the guests.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR SUSAN BARNES
Saturday, November 24: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Transfer to the ruins and guided excursion with her family's guide. Buffet luncheon. return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to either Ollantaytambo or Cuzco. Reception at the Ollantaytambo Station or Poray Station, respectively, and transfer to your hotel.
Exceptions to the itinerary:
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated.
Details
Trail toward Llaqtapata, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
Day 1: Cuzco or Sacred Valley - Inca Trail (Chillca - Llaqtapata)
A spectacular drive through the Sacred Valley takes us to Chillca, our trailhead at Km. 77 of the Cuzco-Machu Picchu railroad. Forty-seven kilometers away, hidden in the mist, lies the fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Crossing a footbridge, we take an undulating trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views to the snows of Mt. Veronica, with the turbulent Urubamba River on our right. We reach our campsite at the imposing, sculpted Inca farming terraces of Llaqtapata, and explore further downstream to the outlying areas of this ancient and massive complex.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail
to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Luxury Inca Trail.
Day 2: Inca Trail (Llaqtapata - Llulluchapampa)
The trail climbs gently into the mountains through the last inhabited village of Huayllabamba, and then more steeply past a rushing stream through enchanted, native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. We camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
Day 3: Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca)
We climb to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 m/13,776 ft), with spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass. Descending to the forested Pacamayo Valley, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again, past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. We reach the second pass, where the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range, then descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. The Inca Trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass, we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).
Intipata, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
Day 4: Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu)
We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca, then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon, we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly, we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry -- a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.
We descend the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and through the heart of Machu Picchu before staying overnight in the Sanctuary Lodge. From its terrace and nearby lookouts, we'll be able to watch the sunset, southern constellations and sunrise over the citadel, from high above the canyon of the Urubamaba River. Dinner and overnight in theInkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
The temples and royal chambers, throughout the Empire, were lined with gold, and, in preparing the stone, they left niches and empty spaces in which to put all sorts of human or animal figures: birds, or wild beasts, such as tigers, bears, lions, wolves, dogs and wildcats, deer, guanacos, vicuñas and even domestic ewes, all of which were made of gold and silver....
Imitation of nature was so consummate that they even reproduced the leaves and little plants that grow on walls; they also scattered here and there, gold or silver lizards, butterflies, mice and snakes, which were so well made and so cunningly placed, that one had the impression of seeing them run about in all directions....
In all the royal mansions there were gardens and orchards given over to the Inca's moments of relaxation. Here were planted the finest trees and the most beautiful flowers and sweet-smelling herbs in the kingdom, while quantities of others were reproduced in gold and silver, at every stage of their growth, from the sprout that hardly shows above the earth, to the full-blown plant, in complete maturity. There were also fields of corn with silver stalks and gold ears, on which the leaves, grains, and even the corn silk were shown.
In addition to all this, there were all kinds of gold and silver animals in these gardens, such as rabbits, mice, lizards, snakes, butterflies, foxes, and wildcats... Then there were birds set in the trees, as though they were about to sing, and others bent over the flowers, breathing in their nectar. There were roe deer and deer, lions and tigers, all the animals in creation, in fact, each placed just where it should be.
-- Garcilaso de la Vega, The Royal Commentaries of the Inca, 1609
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Luxury Inca Trail.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Orient-Express Vistadome - Cuzco
We spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. One memorable possibility is the steep trail to the top of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak), a strenuous, two-hour round-trip. Other trails lead to the Temple of the Moon (a moderate, four-hour round-trip), the Inca Drawbridge (an easy, one-hour round-trip) or Machu Picchu's multitude of hidden nooks and crannies. A sumptuous buffet luncheon of regional cuisine by chef Paulino Huaman at the Sanctuary Lodge's Tinkuy Restaurant.
After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco. After or evening arrival at the Ollantaytambo or Poroy Station, reception and transfer to your hotel. End of our services
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation, Machu Picchu Luxury Tours. All rights reserved.
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