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: 

• Cusco & Sacred Valley: 15-21C day; 2-5C night
• Machu Picchu: 20-26C day; 5-10C night

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

Breakfast in the hotel. Check out.

~ 10:00 AM. Pick up from the hotel.

Guided walk in Cusco and visit nearby ruins. 

Explore Old Town with a local guide, visit Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha temple, Saksayuwaman fortress, and other Inca ruins, and enjoy panoramic city views. 

Visit the alpaca farm, feed them, and take selfies with friendly domestic animals :)

Drive to Sacred Valley of Incas (~1.5-2hrs), and stay at the nice hotel.

The altitude of Cusco:  is 11200" /3400m

The altitude of Sacred Valley is 9420"/2900m

Today you can take some rest and get enough sleep and a slow breakfast, enjoy the amenities of your nice hotel before you head to explore the nearby Ollantaytambo ruins and ancient towns with cobblestone streets and vibrant markets.

Ollantaytambo is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, which include a massive fortress and temple complex, surrounded by stunning Andean mountain peaks.

Ollantaytambo was an important administrative and religious center during the time of the Inca Empire. The ruins found there are believed to have been both a fortress and a ceremonial site.

Back in the hotel, the evening is free. for leisure.

Overnight in hotel 

Early wake up.

After breakfast, you leave the hotel around 7:00 AM and drive to the trailhead at the elevation of 2,000m /6500ft, the starting point of your day trek. 

Then you will set off to visit our first Inca site and then along the trail, we will have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca Sites.

After 3-hour hiking, we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Opportunity to see the elaborate water fountains, temples, and agricultural terraces and learn about the history of the Incas. 

Homemade fresh lunch will be served at our private campsite by our crew Chef. You’ll be also offered to refill your water bottles and get a little rest.

From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu!

This is where we’ll see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we’ll begin our descent to Machu Picchu.

One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time you reach Machu Picchu the day travelers will have left. This leaves you with the whole area to explore with no interruptions. 

After taking photos and exploring the area, we will head to Aguas Calientes, visiting thermal hot springs on the way if time allows.

After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.

Walking distance of the day:  Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu (15 km / 9 mi)

Elevation gain: 600m/ 1900ft up and drop

Elevation of the trailhead (start): 2000m / 6500ft

The highest point of the trail: 2600m / 8500 ft

Elevation of Aguas Calientes (finish): 2040m / 6700ft

Today our team will be one of the first to visit Machu Picchu.

Take one of the first shuttle buses to Machu Picchu (25 min ride). The gate opens at 6 AM. A guided 3hrs tour around the archeological site awaits.

Take a shuttle bus ride back to Aguas Calientes (20 min).

After having lunch in town, proceed to the railway station and take an afternoon train to Sacred Valley of Incas where you will be met on arrival by our representatives and taken back to your hotel 

Machu Picchu altitude: 2400m/7900 ft

Sacred Valley of Incas altitude (overnight): 2870m/9420 ft

Breakfast and check out around 10 AM.

Today visit Maras and Moray, the two remarkable archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of Incas. 

Maras is known for its salt mines, where salt is harvested from terraced pools. The panoramic view of Maras is unique and impressive. 

Moray features concentric agricultural terraces that allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates. Both sites showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and their deep connection with the land. Visiting Maras and Moray provides a unique glimpse into ancient Inca practices and their remarkable achievements.

On the way to Cusco watch the weaving process at Chinchero village with the possibility to dress up like locals and take amazing photos wearing ponchos and traditional Peruvian sombreros.

Back in Cusco in the afternoon.

Stay in hotel 

Be ready for an early wake-up. 

Pick-up from hotel ~4 AM, 3.5h drive to the trailhead, where you start the gradual uphill hike to the colorful Vinicunca Mountain, (aka Rainbow Mountain). 

Spectacular views of the Ausangate mountain massif and Cordillera Vilcanota will impress you on the way. 

After being well-acclimatized in Cusco and Sacred Valley, this trek won't be too difficult for you. The route is a gradual incline, not steep. But if you feel like renting a horse, that's possible to do from locals.

On return to the trailhead, a hot lunch will be waiting for you. Drive back to Cusco, and arrive around ~6 PM in time for dinner.

Overnight in hotel Novotel Cusco

Total walking distance: 15 km /9.5 mi `~6h 

Trailhead altitude (starting point): 4326m/14189"

Rainbow Mt altitude (highest point): 5020m/16466'

After breakfast and check out, check out from the hotel and drop off at the airport of Cusco in time for your flight to Lima.

The suggested departure from Cusco is around noon.

On arrival in Lima, a local guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport.

Take a tour of downtown Lima and the Miraflores neighborhood by the ocean.

Enjoy an amazing seafood lunch in one of the premium restaurants of Lima.

Watch the impressive show of the Magic Circuit Fountains in the city park.

Say goodbye to Peru, and drive back to the airport around 10 PM, in time for check-in for your international flight back home (normally, departure is around 1 AM). Arrive back home in the United States on Jul 7, Sun