Nazca Lines and Inca Trail 9 Days

TRIP CODE: NIT9D01
TYPE SERVICE: Group Service
TYPE ITINERARY: Customize
ACTIVITIES: Cultural & History, Family Friendly, Hiking & Trekking
DESTINATION: Lima, Nazca Lines, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

Over flight spectacular Nazca Lines and Inca Trail Hiking
The journey begins with a flight over the Nasca lines, where you can observe from the sky a series of ancient geoglyphs created by the ancient Nazca culture deep in the Nazca Desert. You can then tour the magnificent ancient Incan capital of Cusco that presents a rich mélange of modern architectures, colonial buildings, and pre-colonial era structural complexes. The ancient Inca Trail is considered the best trekking spot in the world that allows you to experience ancient ruins of Incas, along with sub-tropical jungle, and green rainforest full of exotic flora and fauna of the region.

Highlights

• Be part of Peru’s attractive culture and experience the traditions that are followed
• Roam around the markets and experience the rich colors and traditions
• Observe the historical sites in ancient Cusco, which is Incas ancient capital
• A complete tour of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley that is bound to leave you amazed. The package also covers Inca trails and Cusco
• A tour that covers the Nazca lines
• Hike up the ancient trails for the entire day and enjoy the beautiful sites of the ruins while doing so

Day 1 – International Arrival Assistance
Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign with your name on it and private transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up – Overnight at the Hotel in Lima
Meals included: None

Day 2 – Overflight Nazca Lines
Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel at 7:00AM where you representative will accompany to Paracas. The drive on the South Pan-American Highway will take about 3 hours and a half. You will reach the Pisco airport and fly to the mysterious Lines of the Pampa de Nazca. You will be enthralled by the human-like geographical marking. Onboard, all seats are windows seats so that each passenger can view the Nazca Lines, as they are only observable from flight. You will witness figures like the monkey (standing at 300 ft) along with a spider. All these figures hold symbolic value in the Nazca culture. So the fingers of the monkey quantify the drought faced by the locals every year and the spider is supposed to be symbolic of water and fertility.
After landing, your will be driven back to Lima – Overnight at the Hotel in Lima
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Flight to Cusco
Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel, where the rest of the morning is free time to rest in hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness.
There are no planned activities so check into your hotel and enjoy the city.
Your pre departure meeting will also provide you with some information on the Inca Trail Trek. We will have a briefing to prepare for the next few days – Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Full day to Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero)
Breakfast at hotel; you will be picked up from your hotel at 7:45AM. Travel back in time to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a day that begins in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old city, an Incan archeological site, is located at the top of a mountain, and there you will witness firsthand the stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors. Afterwards, you will descend to the town and walk through its colorful market; where you can buy beautifully crafted locally hand-made products. Afterwards, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Following, you set off for Ollantaytambo, an Incan military, religious, and agricultural center located at the top of a mountain. But unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design, featuring stone buildings and narrow streets. It was a fortress and an administrative and urban center.
Our last stop will be in Chinchero, this townsfolk is famous for having preserved traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques, and they set up a market in the town square to sell their handmade crafts. Back to Cusco
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Start the Inca Trail; Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba
Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel at 6:00AM and transfer to Piscacucho (Km 82 – head of the trail). Our vehicle usually stops at the town of Ollantaytambo for about an hour so that people can have breakfast. The trip from Cusco to Piscacucho can take up to 3 hours; we begin touring the Inca Trail by crossing the overhead bridge on the Urubamba River. We then hike on the shore, left of the Urubamba River as it runs northwest towards the Sacred Valley. Staying on this Inca trail, which is on a flat surface, we reach Miskay, and proceed further and eventually see Llactapata from the highest peak, an inspiring Inca city. Resuming our trek on this trail through the valley, carved out by River Kusichaca, slowly climbing and after five hours we arrive at the Huayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), to camp for the night. Throughout the journey we take joy in the extravagant sights of the fantastic Vilcanota ridge, which is located on the far side of River Urubamba, where the imposing Veronica peak stands tall at 5832m over sea level. The first day of the Trail is simple and offers good training for the days ahead. Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu (Crossing the highest point)
Breakfast, this day is without doubt the toughest and highest in terms of altitude on the trail, which includes a sudden and sheer ascent that goes on for about 9 km, so inexperienced hikers are allowed time to settle in. At the start of your journey at Inca trail, you can see ahead the zigzagging path up the mountain. The trek is demanding to say the least, with a sharp climb to the Abra Warmiwañusca, also called the Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft. Along this path, the setting transforms from Sierra on the way to Puna we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass, these are one of the plants that grow in places located at high altitudes. We go downhill from here using a winding path that bypasses a valley beside next campsite. We also go by an area supposedly known as the cloud forest, a habitat for various species of birds such as sparrows and also hummingbirds, and also the Andean bear, better known as the Spectacled Bear. We recommend that on you make special preparations and pack a bag filled with chocolates, cocoa leaves and candies to keep your blood sugar level high as well as curb the threat of altitude sickness. After crossing the pass, the path descends into the valley of Paqaymayu (3600m/11808ft). Here the camp is set up after almost 7 hours of Inca trail hiking. Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna (Descending into the Cloud Forest)
Breakfast; this is the beginning of the longest part of trail however, it is the most remarkable and the most appealing, due the presence of numerous archaeological sites as well as the green cloud forest that we bypass, and a rich presence of Andean flora and fauna. We move on from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay, the next pass (3970m/13022ft). Midway along the Inca trail, you shall come upon the remains of Runkurakay, an Inca tambo, a semi-circular structure overlooking the Paqaymayu valley. We then leave the pass and descend to the Yanacocha, entering the cloud forest and at last reach Sayacmarca. Continuing the hike, you will finally approach the third mountain pass, at Abra Phuyupatamarca. Later, the trail descends further leading to Phuyupatamarca, an archeological site known as “The Town in the Clouds”. Next, we proceed and trek down long stone steps that guide us to Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8692ft), an inspiring Inca center comprising of a thriving agricultural complex with several terraces, an urban sector and a religious hub, in close proximity of our camp. Wiñayhuayna becomes the last official camp before Machu Picchu. Ensure that you are well rested so that you to wake up in time to catch the marvelous sunrise at Machu Picchu. Remember to always form a tip pool, to be later given to the group (porters, cook, and guide). Generally a sufficient tip ranges from US$ 10 to US$ 40 per tourist. Keep in mind that these are voluntary tips, so tip as you feel depending on the service you got. Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Hike to Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary & Back to Cusco
At around 4:00AM you get up, have breakfast and move on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu. This is the last part of the journey so arrive by 6:00AM to reach Inti Punku or The Sun Gate. Out of the blue every part of Machu Picchu is in front of your eyes stuttering its immense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The sight is overwhelming and you can picture in your mind what those Incas must have sensed after their taxing expedition to this expansive temple. At this point we move downhill towards Machu Picchu (2400m/7872 ft), after a period of 40 minutes we enter the citadel from the top point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then proceed to the control point where we register and leave our stuff. Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate.
You will then have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price)
– Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
– Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.
Train to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes and, later on, board the train for the return trip to Cusco. On reaching Cusco train station, reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast

 If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book
Current restrictions on the Inca Trail and high volume of travelers visiting Peru each year means booking the Inca Trail is becoming more difficult each year. However, we are very excited to be able to offer hiking alternatives treks like: Salkantay or Lares trek. 

Day 9 – Departure from Cusco – International Departure
Breakfast at hotel; there are no activities scheduled on the final day of this trip and you are free to leave at any time.
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima for International connection.
Most groups will take the flight from Cusco to Lima connecting from there to international flights.
Meals included: Breakfast

PRICES PER PERSON

What’s included 9-day Nazca Lines & Inca Trail?

• Accommodation: 5 night(s) in hotel(s) in Lima and Cusco, 3 night(s) camping.
• Excursions: Nazca Lines, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights: Nazca Lines, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.
• Transfers: All airport transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
• Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
• Transport: bus, train, minivan, on foot, walking.
• Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
• 4 day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters. Camping equipment, guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Porters: Extra porter to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad).
• Ticket to Over Flight Nazca Lines from Pisco airport.
• Local top quality English-speaking guides to accompany visits and excursions.
• 24 hour support by our local staff.

Services not included

• International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru, airport departure taxes (Approximate cost US$ 31.00 international flights, and US$ 7.40 for each domestic flight, Pisco airport tax US$ 5).
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items & Pre & post tour accommodation.
• Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain & Sleeping bag for Inca Trail.

Optional Services for this Inca Trail Tour Package

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 85 per person.
• One way upgrade train to Vistadome Class; US$ 20 per person.
• Sleeping bag rental for the trek add US$ 20 (during 4 day Inca Trail Tour).
• Extra porter to carry your personal equipment adds US$ 150.
• Walking stick rental for the trek add US$ 20 (one pairs).
• Single tent supplement (if you don’t want to share tent) add US$ 20.