JOIN A TRIP OF A LIFETIME:
The "EXPRESS INCA TRAIL" is a 1-day hike, designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the ancient Inca Trail, without committing the time needed for one of the longer multi-day hikes. This 1-day trek is great for families with junior& teenage kids, as it is only about 6 hours of moderate hiking, and includes very comfortable overnight HOTEL accommodations.
The Inca Trail day-hike culmination moment - walking through the Sun Gate with the most spectacular first view of Machu Picchu from above!!
You will head back to the Lost City of Machu Picchu on your second day again to explore the mystery and history of sacred temples as you walk around with your local guide.
MORE HIGHLIGHTS ARE WAITING FOR YOU:
🌟 Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of CUSCO, a city rich in history and culture
🌟 Explore the remarkable Inca temples of the SACRED VALLEY OF INCAS
🌟 Walk along the ancient IINCA TRAIL to the iconic Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
🌟 Witness the breathtaking sunrise at the mystical Lost City of MACHU PICCHU
🌟 Delight in the renowned Peruvian cuisine and savor the finest seafood in LIMA
🌟 Capture the perfect selfie with adorable fluffy ALPACAS, creating fun memories of your journey.
🌟 Indulge in LUXURY accommodations and lodges throughout the journey
🌟 Travel assisted by our team of EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES who will ensure a smooth and enriching travel experience
🌟 Discover the awe-inspiring RAINBOW MOUNTAIN on a thrilling day hike from Cusco. This hidden gem, ranked among National Geographic's 100 unique places on Earth, promises an unforgettable experience
HOW DO WE STAND OUT FROM OTHERS:
SIGNATURE GLAMPING, DELUXE COMFORT, AND EXTRA BENEFITS INCLUDED
👍 Enjoy a premium travel experience with your private group, avoiding mixing up with other crowded groups.
👍 Best dining experience. Delicious meals. A homemade lunch will be served on a trail from scratch by our chef. We don't use preserved or dry food. We also cater to vegetarians and are gluten-free.
👍 On a trail, we provide: gear (hiking poles) and fresh drinking water refill at lunch
👍 We own private campgrounds for our groups separately from other group tours. We have private restrooms there.
CUSCO IS HIGH ALTITUDE REGION.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ALTITUDES:
Cusco – 3400m/ 11152’
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu – 2430m/ 7972’
Aguas Calientes – 2040 m/ 6700’
Urubamba (Sacred Valley of Incas) – 3000m/ 9842’
Express Inca trail distance: 15km/ 9 mi
Elevation of the trailhead (start): 2000m
The highest point of the trail: 2600m
Elevation of Aguas Calientes (finish): 2040m
Elevation gain & drop: 600m/1900 feet
Level: Moderate
Good for kids: suggested age 10+
We encourage you to have your trip cancellation insurance purchased right after booking your trip.
If you cancel your trip due to your own personal or medical reasons, the following cancellation terms will be applied:
- Cancellation outside of 121 days before departure date - registration deposit fully refundable
- Cancellation 120 to 91 days before the start of the trip - registration deposit is non-refundable
- Cancellation 90 to 45 days before departure - up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable
- Cancellation 44 to 0 calendar days before departure – up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
! NO VISA REQUIRED for US, Russian Federation, Belarus, and Ukraine passport holders.
! YOUR TRAVEL PASSPORT MUST BE VALID NO LESS THAN 6 MONTHS TO ENTER PERU
PACKING LIST:
- Suitcase
- Compact daypack for hiking
- Hydration reservoir (2L) of plastic water bottle
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Hiking poles – you can rent them in Cusco or bring your own (NOTE: hiking poles are not allowed into carry-on luggage on the flights)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking outfit
- Fleece/softshell jacket for chilly evenings
- Windbreaker jacket, waterproof
- Lightweight puffy vest or jacket for chilly evenings in Cusco and Sacred Valley
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (UVF 50+)
- Insect repellent
- Your first-aid kit & medications for travel
- Bathing suite and flip flops (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
In hotels and towns:
Electricity is available 220V/60Hz (110V less common). PLEASE Bring your own plug adapter
Wi-Fi is normally available at hotels and public places but can be slow
Wi-fi or electricity is not available in the wilderness areas during day-hikes
The trekking guide will have a satellite phone to be used for emergencies
• The local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (1USD = 3-4 Soles)
• You can exchange currency at the airports (the rate is not good), or in Cusco Old town in certified money exchange offices (cambio de moneda). Remember , in South America they like crispy new banknotes, $100 USD banknote are better accepted for exchange
• You can find ATMs at the airports of Lima and Cusco, and in the old town Cusco. There’s
no ATMs in the rural areas.
• Payments by Visa/MasterCard are accepted in Lima and Cusco airports, restaurants, grocery stores and hotels. AmEx is not accepted in Peru.
• Small gift shops and cafeterias are normally cash only. Payments in small USD bills can be accepted ($1/5/10/20) - make sure bills are crispy and new, otherwise they are not accepted. If you pay in USD, the change will be given in the Peruvian currency.
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco region is from late May through early October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June – just be prepared. Layers are always a key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. Evenings and nights can be cold, so please be prepared with a lightweight down-jacket (700+ Down fill).
Average temperatures:
Starting from the elevation of the city of Cusco (3400m/ 11152’) many people feel symptoms of altitude sickness. That's normal. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over a couple of days in Cusco that we allow in our itinerary for acclimatizing at high altitudes, your body will adjust to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. With altitude sickness, you may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or even vomiting, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. If you have those symptoms in Cusco, just ask for an oxygen tank at the hotel's reception desk or let the Team Leader know and assist you. Most of the time, these symptoms are mild. For safe travels and better acclimatizing, we don't plan any physical activities on the first days of our itinerary in Cusco.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL ACCLIMATIZING:
1) Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal, and coca teas Coca tea is always available at no additional cost at the hotel's reception desk. Coca has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood
2) Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee. It will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated
3) Avoid smoking
4) Try not to use sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep. Try to sleep on your side, not on your back
5) While on the hike remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness when they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slowly, it will give your body time to adjust to the mountain
6) Optional medications such as dexamethasone (Diamox) might help prevent altitude sickness. See your doctor for a prescription. If you decide to take these medicines, you should start the medicine a day BEFORE your departure or at least on the day of arrival to the altitude, not later. Continue taking it daily while you are at a high altitude.
AVERAGE ALTITUDES:
Cusco – 3400m/ 11152’
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu – 2430m/ 7972’
Aguas Calientes – 2040 m/ 6700’
Urubamba (Sacred Valley of Incas) – 3000m/ 9842’
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET SICK:
If you feel sick on the trek, let a team leader & tour guide know right away – our local guides are trained in first aid and they will do their best to help you feel better. Our guide will also have an oxygen and first aid kit for basic medical issues.
Drinking water. General suggestions:
Use bottled or boiled water for drinking. Don’t drink tap water. This water is good for brushing your teeth. Please don’t order ice in your drinks. Ice is usually made out of tap water. Tap water is not bad, but bacterial content is different from the water you used to drink at home and this may cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
Drinking water on day-hikes:
The drinking water we provide at the campsite at lunch will be boiled, filtered, and then cooled, then distributed for refilling your reservoirs. Prepare your bottles (Nalgene or Camelback). Carrying about 1.5-3L worth is recommended for the day hike.
Arrive in Lima in the morning (or on a previous evening if you wish).
Meet up with your team at the airport of Lima and take a flight to Cusco (1,5 hrs) around 11 AM (arranged by Organizer).
On arrival in Cusco - pick up from the airport and check-in at the hotel in the Old Town.
Rest of the day - free time, acclimatizing.
Overnight in Hotel 4*
The altitude of Cusco: is 11200" /3400m