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Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu
The
newest InkaNatura’s offer. |
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The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu IncaTrail- IncaTrail
Peru
They could have followed the valley but they
chose the high route to Machu Picchu, with its gorges and
passes and climactic mountain views. True Andean highlanders,
the Incas knew and loved the countless natural zones that
lay within the folds of their vast domain. Their trail to
Machu Picchu traverses a startling variety of microclimates,
beginning with an arid cactus zone on the Urubamba valley
floor, rising through native Polylepis forest to bleak high-altitude
grassland, and ending in mossy cloud forest draped with orchids
and bromeliads.
| They celebrated the glory of the snow peaks by setting their
trail along a ridge that descended from the sacred summit
of Salcantay and ended at Machu Picchu. Wherever some astounding
view or prominent natural feature captured their imaginations,
they built magical stone outposts -- intricate ceremonial
settlements of carved stone hewn from the white granite of
the region. These cling to mountain spurs, perch on narrow
ledges or spill down plunging slopes, with water channels
threading among the houses, as though planted there, without
human intervention, by an extravagant nature. |
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All this was abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest,
lying buried beneath the forest until Hiram Bingham set out in 1915
to follow up his discovery of Machu Picchu with a search for the
Inca highway leading back to Cusco. Lucky explorer that he was,
he found what we now call the Inca Trail and all the sites along
it except Wiñay Wayna, that was not discovered until 1941,
by Paul Fejos. Today we can hike this trail, seeing much of it intact
and easy to imagine as it was in Inca times.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail; Machu Picchu; Peru; hiking
Trekking
programs
We
offer the following Inca Trail programs:
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| 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, enjoying great
meals and sturdy tents. The hikes average six to seven hours
each day, including time to explore the Inca 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 at a comfortable hotel, we return to Machu
Picchu to see the ruins in perfect morning light. In the afternoon
we return to Cusco by train. This program is specially designed
to offer a more relaxed trek and a deeper understanding of
Inca culture.
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| This is the classic four-day trek along the
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This magnificent hike is for travelers
who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks,
in a single day. The pace may be daunting for some, but the
beauty and history of the area surround the hiker every step
of the way. On the last morning we arrive at Machu Picchu
with plenty of time to explore the ruins before returning
to Cusco by train.
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| This trip allows a taste of the Inca Trail
without days of hiking and camping. We begin the hike from
the train stop at Kilometer 104 and follow the trail for six
hours to the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku,
the Gate of the Sun. From here we descend into the world famous
“Lost City.” After a restful night in a hotel,
we return to Machu Picchu at dawn to see the ruins in perfect
morning light. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train.
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| This is a De Luxe private tour similar to
our Inca trail Discovery with enough time to explore and enjoy
the amazing Inca archaeological sites, landscapes and nature.
We camp the first three nights, enjoying great meals, wine,
sturdy tents and at the end of the day a massage therapist
will offer a relaxing massage. The hikes average six to seven
hours.
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... where you will visit some communities as Lares &
Patacancha that you can combine with a night at Ollantaytambo
and continue by train to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of
the Incas. .
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During this cultural trek you will observe a variety of scenery and ecological zones, snow-capped peaks, archaeological remains, the Inca quarries of Cachicata finishing in Machu Picchu.
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What we include:
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A licensed, well-trained, English-speaking guide, who visits
the clients the evening before departure to explain the trek
and answer any questions.
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Camping Equipment: spacious , dining tent, , tables and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking
equipment. Trekkers need only bring a sleeping bags.
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Chef and Assistant Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked
with fresh, local ingredients.
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Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate
duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry only a light
daypack.
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Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail for Inca
Trail Classic and Inca Trail Discovery; First Class train -
the Vistadome - to kilometer 104 for the Short Inca Trail.
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First Class train - the Vistadome - from the town of Aguas
Calientes to Cusco.
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Round trip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu
Picchu archaeological sanctuary on the last morning (“Short
Inca Trail” and “Inca Trail Discovery” ONLY).
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Entrance tickets for the Inca Trail and for the Machu Picchu
archaeological sanctuary.
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Hotel accommodation at a comfortable hotel or hostel (“Short
Inca Trail” and “Inca Trail Discovery” ONLY).
We
lend you a special duffel bag for your gear. In order to ensure
the fair treatment of our porters, we require that each person limit
this duffel to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
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There are a limited number of tour operators authorized
to operate the Inca Trail. InkaNatura Travel is one of these
and in just two years of Inca Trail operations has been recognized
by the Government Tourism Office as one of the two BEST tour
operators in the area, both in 2003 & 2004. |
InkaNatura travel also operates high quality services in ,
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and .
Read More:
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You may also be interested in the others treks followed by the Incas
centuries ago as Choquequirau. .
Testimonials from our Clients.
| 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. We were all very pleased at using InkaNatura.
They were wonderful and 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. Plus, it
is quite strenuous and I'm not sure how my parents would have
fared had there been a day less.
The food along the trek was also excellent. Simple and delicious,
exactly what we needed to keep our strength up and our digestive
systems intact!
Both the evenings in the Sanctuary Lodge and the Monasterio
were wonderful, a most appreciated luxury after 3 nights in
tents. The food at the Sanctuary lodge was surprisingly better
than at the famed restaurant in the Monasterio. Perhaps if
we'd been provided the full menu ay the Illary restaurant
instead of a greatly reduced one, we would have thought otherwise.
Seefried family (04) - - Aug 22/26, 2005
Private service
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The porters were great, very pleasant and friendly. The meals
were excellent, service was great. Manuel was a wonderfull
guide, very knowledge.
Matthe, Chelsea & Brian Dugan - - May 25/29, 2004 - Private service
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Ruben (guide) made our trip a pleasure throughout. He shared
his extensive knowledge of quechuan and inca culture and history,
the climates, plants, birds and animals we encountered without
condescention, and supported us with care and concern his
conversation was engaging, interesting wide ranging. My diabetes
presented new challenges on the trail, especially on the third
day, He took active interest in leaning what my condition
required and made program adjustments as needed. He became
as much a friend as is possible in 6 days acquaintance
Achatz party (02) - - JAN 26/30, 2005 -
Private service
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Excellent guide, friendly personnel !!!
Jeffrey party (02) - - Jul 18/21, 2005 -
Regular service
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I am sure we were privileged to have the most knowledgeable,
articulate and beautiful guide your company employs. Her name
is Celinda.
She explained everything with passion and details. Her positive
attitude was contagious and a pleasure to indulge. I highly
recommend Celinda as a great multi bilingual guide.
Mendoza party of 02 - - Apr 24/27, 2005 -
Regular service
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Great fun and some amazing sights, the porters
and guides were always there and made our trip one to remember
!!! Jose and Wilbert (the guides) were both fantastic in every
aspect and made the trip one I won't forget ! They both became
good friends and would use them again if I come back.
Jamie Shewbrook and party - - Sep 28/Oct 01, 2005 - Private service |
| I would not want to visit Machu Picchu any
other way. Ruben (the guide) was careful to ensure we were
not always following other group - otherwise the trail might
have seemed overcrowded.
Inca Trail "Club Class" with InkaNatura ! Amazed
at the quality of food, portering, camping equipment etc.
Ruben is an outstanding guide, superb knowledge of history,
wildlife etc plus a great sense of humor and always making
sure everyone was safe and happy. One of the best guides I've
been priveiliged to have in years working as a travel writer
William Gray - - Aug 28/31, 2005 - Regular service
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Amazing effort at all times very impressed
. Jesus was fantastic , we had an excellent trip with his
enthusiasm and humour.
IaiN and Matt Cullen - - May 19/22 , 2004 - Regular service
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The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu IncaTrail-
IncaTrail Peru
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