Adventure Travel
¿What is Adventure Travel?
Adventure travel is rapidly growing in popularity. Tourists are seeking opportunities to include elements such as: physical activity, meaningful cultural interaction, and engagement with nature in their travel plans. WELSAT is perfectly placed and trained to provide this sort of adventure. The Andes, the jungle and the plains provide unlimited challenges that our team is equipped to support you in triumphing over. Being Peruvian born, we are able to connect you with real Peruvian traditions and cultural experiences. Condors, monkeys, jaguars, tarantulas, healing plants and sacred sites provide exquisite, unique interactions with nature, and we know how to get you there.
Inka Trail (Available Upon Request)
Dates
Excursions on the Inka Trail are available every day of the year, except for the month of February, when it is closed. During February Machu Picchu may only be reached by train or alternative routes.
Availability
The Inka Trail is limited to only 500 visitors per day. This number includes tourists, guides, porters and cooks. Due to this strictly enforced quota it is essential to book your trip months in advance. This quota is for all agencies and operators combined. Once the quota is full no agencies will have availability.
Special Payment Terms:
Preferred payment method is by Western Union Money Transfer
Payment by Visa is accepted with an 8.5% surcharge
50% prepayment is required upon booking
Balance can be paid before the tour begins, or in the office in Cusco
International Student Card holders (ISIC Green) will receive a discount of $25.00. You must send a copy of your card via email prior to application for entry to the Inka Trail.
Walking and Altitude Highlights:
Day 1:
Hike time: about 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3000 m
Camp: Wayllabamba
Distance covered: 12 km
Day 2:
Hike Time: about 8 ½ hours
Maximum Altitude: 4200 m
Camp: Pacaymayo
Distance Covered: 18 km
Day 3:
Hike Time: about 7 ½ hours
Maximum Altitude: 3900 m
Camp: Wiñayhuayna
Distance Covered: 16 km
Day 4:
Hiking Time: about 3 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2400 m
Distance Covered: 8 km
Program
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba:
You will be picked up from the hotel at 06:30 hours. We will travel 82 kilometres by road from Cusco to Quillabamba, watching the snow on the mountains Chicon, Veronica and Salkantay. At Km 82 we will begin the hike and start on the Inka Trail. Along this long journey we will observe the ruins of Patallaqta, stopping for lunch at an appropriate time. In the afternoon light we climb to our camp at Wayllabamba and have camp dinner and sleep overnight.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo:
After out breakfast we will begin our second day of trekking, through Tres Piedras and Llulluchapampa. We will reach the peak of the Inka Trail Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) at 4200 m, stopping for lunch at an appropriate time along the way. Continuing along the path we descend to our camp Pacaymayo at 3500 m to have dinner and camp overnight.
Day 3: Pacamayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Wiñayhuayna:
The third day of trekking takes us to the ruins of Runkurakay after breakfast, followed by Sayacmarca at lunch. Then we hike the roadway to another important historical site, Puyupatamarca, or Cloud City. One more short walk takes us to our last camp at Wiñayhuayna, or Forever Young. We will enjoy the resort, have dinner and camp overnight.
Please Note: The National Institute of Culture determines which gorups can stay overnight in Winayhuayna. This is generally those who make their registration well in advance. As the spaces are filled, the INC may determine that a group stay in Puyapatamarca, a few hours before Wiñayhuayna. As there is no way to make this choice in advance we highly suggest booking in advance.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco:
An early breakfast before sunrise, about 04:30 hours, followed by a short hike to reach Inti Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol) (The Sun Gate), which has a fantastic view of Machu Picchu, a two hour guided tour of the main temples throughout the Inka City, then free time to climb the smaller maountain, Waynapicchu. In the afternoon we will go to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch our train back to Ollantaytambo, then the bus to Cusco.
Please Note: Huayna Piccu is located behind the mountain where Machu Picchu is. It is an excellent opportunity to view the entire Inka city, but requires advance planning. Upon entering Machu Picchu at the checkpoint, tickets to climb Huayna Piccu are available. Only 400 people can visit per day, divided into two groups. It is generally difficult to get a ticket for this, unless you arrive very early or via a different route.
What is included:
– Transfer arrival or departure in Cusco
– Transportation to Km 82
– Entrance to the Inka trail
– 3 breakfasts/3 lunches/3 dinners
– Snacks
– Professional guide in English and Spanish
– Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
– Chef
– Porters (for camping equipment ONLY)
– Camping mattresses
– Tents and other camping equipment
– First Aid Kit
– Backpacker train ticket back to Cusco
– Oxygen bottle
What is NOT included:
– Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch and Dinner on Day 4
– Tips for porters, cooks and guides
Please Note: the support team plays a valuable role in the success of the trip, and they work very hard. Tipping is not mandatory, but highly suggested as a reward for the hard work and care they provide on the trip.
Optional additions you may wish to purchase:
– Personal porter for four days of walking
– Additional overnight in Aguas Calientes
– Sleeping bag
– Return in Vistadome, First Class
Aguas Calientes is a vibrant, international flavoured small town at the base of Machu Picchu, full of shopping, hot springs, and great restaurants. Often travelers choose to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu again. There would be a second admission charge, as well as bus ticket required as well.
What is NOT included:
– Backpack, Medium to Large in size
– Suitable shoes for trekking/hiking
– Sleeping bag. (or you could rent one in Cusco. If so you may wish to bring a sleeping bag liner)
– Rainwear (may also be purchased in Cusco)
– Clothing suitable for both hot and cold tempuratures
– Water bottle
– Flashlight, with an extra set of batteries
– Sunscreen and insect repellent
– Chocolates and sweets etc.
– Personal towel
– Cameras, batteries etc.
– Hat that blocks sun well
IMPORTANT:
The Inka Trail is not a simple walk. It is an adventure tour taking place at over 3300 m. The first day can be stressful for some people. You may experience altitude sickness so be prepared to manage this possibility. Effects may include headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, even vomiting.
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For at least two days we will be BEYOND medical care. If you have pre-existing health challenges we suggest you choose a different option than hiking the Inka Trail.
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Once you have purchased your Inka Trail hike it is non-refundable. ( insurance?)
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Plan to be in Cusco a minimum of 2 days prior to your Inka Trail hike, in order to acclimatize as well as confirm your attendance.
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Be aware that during the trip aspects of the program may need to be modified due to natural, political or technical issues or events.
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A passport, though not required to travel to Peru, is highly recommended.
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By hiring this tour you claim to understand the risks involved in travel in an Andean country, and you assume the risks of this adventure. Our agency will not be held responsible for any health problems, loss of life, property damage, or other loss that may occur during the trip.
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If you have questions or concerns about this program, please contact us via email, phone or text.