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Trip Overview Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and discover history |
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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The Inca Trail is one of the most renowned and rewarding hikes in the entire world. The history, natural beauty and remarkable sites along the trail have attracted intrepid trekkers for the past several decades. It is also a physical challenge which rewards hikers with one of the great classic views of all time: the sight of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Our ten-day tour offers a taste of Peru with an emphasis on hiking the Inca Trail and discovering the history of the Incas. From approximately 1450 to 1530, the western coast of South America flourished under the vast Incan Empire. At the height of their reign, the Inca were worthy of comparison to the ancient Roman society. Their many achievements include superior roadways, government, and counting systems. Lasting roughly a century, the Inca culture was highly sophisticated, but most information about them was lost during the time of Spanish conquest. Today archaeologists continue to uncover some of the buried mysteries to further our knowledge of the Inca. On our trek, we too hope to discover more about this fascinating culture. Please note tour days spent in Lima and Cusco may be subjected to change.
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1-2: Lima, Peru
We begin in Lima, with most tour members arriving during the evening of Day 1 or early in the morning of Day 2 (with their rooms reserved from the night before). After breakfast, we will tour the city including: the Plaza Major, the Government Palace, the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. We will visit the Casa Aliaga, a well-preserved colonial mansion in continuous occupancy by the same family since 1535. We will also enjoy a visit to a private collection of Inca and Pre-Inca arts and artifacts, and tour the Larco Herrara Museum with its extensive erotic art collection. Dinner this evening will be at Huaca Pucllana, a lovely Peruvian restaurant. 
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3: Breathe Deep: Cusco and the Sacred Valley
This morning we fly from Lima to Cusco(approximately one hour). After arrival in Cusco, we will begin adjusting to the altitude in preparation for our upcoming mountain trek. We will drive down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a beautiful stretch of villages and ancient ruins spread across a broad plain beneath the gentle mountain slopes northwest of Cusco. The area is home to several grand haciendas, Inca temples, and quaint villages. It is also a fertile valley and major center of agricultural production. With the Urubamba River as its source, native Andean crops such as white corn, coca, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables flourish in expansive fields and along spectacularly terraced mountain slopes. We will stop at the market in Pisac, an ancient city famous for its arts and crafts. We then arrive at our hotel in the Urubamba Valley for the night. After dinner, we rest and prepare for our mountain trek begins.
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4-6: Hiking the Inca Trail
For the next four days/three nights we will follow the Inca Trail through one of the most stunning combinations of natural beauty and rich cultural history imaginable. The following itinerary is typical of the trek but maybe fluctuate based on weather conditions, campsites available and the progress of the group. In few other places does a trail challenge and thrill a hiker with such mystery and magnificent scenery. Each day we will ascend to new vistas, see incredible ruins (only visible by walking the trail) and live in the actual footsteps of those who built this path nearly 600 years ago. And each day the anticipation of Machu Picchu, one of the most amazing archaeological wonders of the world, pulls us upward to the clouds. Our starting point is at km. marker 82 in the trail. It will be a relatively short day of hiking as we cross over a small bridge to and make an initial climb to our first campsite. Our introduction to the ruins begins as there are several ancient sites amidst the terraced landscape of the great Andes. After breakfast, we begin a difficult but rewarding day of trekking. We will cross over the highest pass on the trail: 13,800 ft and perhaps the second highest of 13,280 , depending on the weather and the timing. As we ascend the first pass, we may catch a glimpse of our second pass off in the distance. As the path winds slowly uphill through a small forest we reach Pallacta, an elaborate archeological complex of roughly 112 rooms. We continue up and over the Cusichaca Valley to reach the tiny Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to our first pass. Along the way we will see a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. We will also pass through our first cloud forest where white slips appear out of nowhere only to dissolve like a magic handkerchief and leave us with a perfect patch of blue sky. We can also catch a glimpse of the very rare que-ua tree found only here in the Andes. With the tree line below us we move slowly not only to preserve our breathing but to enjoy the outrageous mountain views. We descend to the Pacamayo River, and then climb again to the Runkuraqay, a beautifully restored ruin circular in shape and used as a lookout. It still offers wondrous views which we pause to enjoy before heading over a lower pass to Sayacmarca. Tonight we camp at Phuyupatamarca (town at the edge of the clouds). We again have hiked approximately 9 km but today’s trek will take us eight hours.
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7-8: Machu Picchu
On our final morning on the trail, we follow along a buttress toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located on a ridge of the same water course we have been traversing. With each step we draw closer to the crown of the Lost City—Machu Picchu. Today's hike is not easy. We walk carefully on massive stone steps spiraling downward, then we climb up and up again. But our reward is well worth the effort: the first glimpse of Machu Picchu as we enter through the Sun Gate, the same way the Incas did it over 500 years ago. The ancient city atop the mountains at 8,000 ft seems untouched since being inhabited by the Incas. Because of its remote location, the Spanish conquistadors missed Machu Picchu and it became a refuge for the escaping Incas during the time of conquest. Amazingly preserved temples still stand with huge walls of artistically carved white granite. Every turn offers another view, another photo opportunity, or another chance to absorb the magic and the history that make this place so special. With this sky high treasure at our feet, we have time to explore before we shake the dust off our clothes, enjoy a hot shower, and replace our sleeping bags with soft hotel beds at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Lodge. The lodge is in the village below Machu Picchu. The following morning we can go up and watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, take a leisurely tour of the site, or hike Wayna Picchu for the stout-hearted. This afternoon we take a scenic train ride to Cusco for the next two nights.
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9: Cusco
We will arrive in Cusco in the early evening. After we transfer to our hotel, dinner will be on your own. Cusco is a lovely colonial city with plenty of diversions. The main square with lovely shops and tempting restaurants is within walking distance of our hotel. After our long days of hiking, this is a chance to slow down and enjoy Andean hospitality. There will be an optional half day city tour so we can visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun. In the hip San Blas neighborhood we can roam the ancient streets and shop at the square filled with native art galleries and craft booths. Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and party in Cusco.
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10: Departure Day
A mid-morning flight to Lima will give most travelers the day to relax before late night departures. Day rooms may be available at the hotel for those who want to rest before their flights home. Bags can be stored at the hotel as you wait for you transfer to the airport. Individual transfers to the airport are not included in the tour price, but can be reserved as a tour option. You may also extend your trip with an additional night in Lima or by adding on a private tour to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca. Please check with us if you are interested in a adding a post-tour expedition to your Peru adventure. So now you are an expert on the Inca civilization. We hope your memories and the dust of the trail stay fresh in your mind until your next Alyson Adventure!
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