INCA TRAIL TREK VIA SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA – MACHUPICCHU

The Inka Trail Trek from Santa Maria was recently discovered and is very interesting and an important access point to a number of Inka Trail treks. With beautiful views and many opportunities to interact with locals, this trek also meanders through impressive forests of bananas and coffee, mango trees and other interesting plants and animals. Enjoy this new adventure with us, which only we can make happen.

First Day: Cusco – Santa Maria
We gather the passengers from their hotels, then, we drive together in the inter-provincial bus for a ride of approximately four hours (optional, faster, private transportation is available). Along the ride, we cross the Pass of Málaga (4200m / 13,800f), the highest point of the trip. Then, we enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and of the valley below, as we descend down to Santa Maria. In Santa Maria, we dine and spend the night at a hostel. (Snack/Dinner)

Second Day: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa
After a good breakfast, we take to the trail early, crossing the Vilcanota River and continuing on our trek. Along the way, we see a great variety of regional fruits, including: bananas, mangos, papaya, oranges, etc. Then we take a tiny, single-track trail, as we hike up into the hills, occupied by locals and foot-traffic only. We hike alongside a variety of agricultural plots of crops, including: coffee, yucca, coca leaves, etc. After a couple hours, we reach the highest part of our hike. While taking a break, we gaze down on flocks of parrots and admire the river valley stretching out below us. At this point, we cross a section of original Incan stone stairs that snake along the canyon wall, before we descend down to the valley floor and have lunch at a family restaurant. Only a couple hours more of trekking along the river, over bridges and even a river trolley car (!), before we reach some of the most beautiful hot springs Peru has to offer. Here, we take plenty of time to relax and gaze up at the hillsides towering above us, before a short walk to the town of Santa Teresa where we dine and spend the night in a family hostel and have the option to partake in any nightlife going on in this remote little town. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Third Day: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we continue our trek up the river valley, again crossing the Vilcanota River, a few houses, great waterfalls and more banana trees. Today’s walk is shorter and less tiring than the previous day. After passing a hydroelectric dam, we reach the beginning of the train tracks and have lunch in a nearby family restaurant. After lunch, we follow along the train tracks for a couple hours, getting glimpses of the mysterious ruins of Machupicchu! The town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of the mountain of Machupicchu, is where we stop for the night in a local hotel. Once again, there are optional hot springs you can choose to take advantage of. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Fourth Day: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu - Cusco
We have breakfast early in the morning and begin the short hike up to the archeological area, Machupicchu! With luck, we can see the sunrise, seated among these mysterious ruins. With a guide specialized in Machupicchu, you have a tour of about two hours to the most important sites within the ruins. After that, there will be time for you to hike up to a higher, adjacent peak, Waynapicchu, to see the whole valley below. In the afternoon, we hike back down and take the train back to Cusco, arriving in the night. Passengers are then returned to their hotels. (Breakfast/Snack)

Our Services Include:

1. Reception and transfer from the airport to the hotel with a welcoming hot tea
2. Informative trip briefing with our guide the night before you leave for the tour
3. Transportation from Cusco to Santa Maria
4. Professional, bilingual trekking guide
5. All meals noted in the trip description
6. Overnight lodging in basic hostels in Santa Maria and Santa Teresa
7. 01 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes
8. Train ticket to return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu
9. First Aid Supplies
10. Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco

Not included:

• Breakfast and lunch the first day and lunch and dinner the final day in Machupicchu
  
• Entry to the hot springs
  
• Tips
  
• Extras not mentioned

You should bring:

• Personal water bottle
  
• Small backpack with personal items
  
• Bathing suit, small towel
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Sun block
  
• Sun hat

Important Note: If you have any questions, please email info@adventureperutours.com. To make reservations, email reservas@adventureperutours.com.

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