Discover the Mystery of the Lost City
Tourism of the Inca Trail
"Inca Trail tourism Each year, some 25,000 hikers from all over the world walk the 43 km stone-paved trail, built by the Incas to get to the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu, deep in the Cuzco cloud forest.
Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear - a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.
The trail is usually covered in 4 days arriving at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for sunrise on the fourth day. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the city of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisac and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.
The Inca Trail can be hiked year round although the months of April till October are probably more comfortable since the weather is drier. June, July and August are in the high season when the trail can become fully booked so be sure to make a reservation in advance. The 4 day Inca Trail is closed each year during the month of February to allow conservation work to take place. The months of January and March are in the wet season so hiking the trail can be a little miserable unless you have a good rain jacket and waterproof tent.
It is best to plan your Machu Picchu Tour ahead due to the site's popularity, and the fact that only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year."
http://www.incatrailtours.org/
Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear - a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.
The trail is usually covered in 4 days arriving at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for sunrise on the fourth day. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the city of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisac and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.
The Inca Trail can be hiked year round although the months of April till October are probably more comfortable since the weather is drier. June, July and August are in the high season when the trail can become fully booked so be sure to make a reservation in advance. The 4 day Inca Trail is closed each year during the month of February to allow conservation work to take place. The months of January and March are in the wet season so hiking the trail can be a little miserable unless you have a good rain jacket and waterproof tent.
It is best to plan your Machu Picchu Tour ahead due to the site's popularity, and the fact that only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year."
http://www.incatrailtours.org/
The Many Different Tours Offered...
Inca Discovery
Cost- $1209.00 CAD
"Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time, this adventure includes a four-day trek along the Inca Trail. This is one of the world’s best known hikes and will reward those willing to break a sweat with a stunning combination of mountainscapes, cloud forests and jungles. We run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our knowledgeable CEOs will work hard to make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu will burn itself into your memory."
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery/PID/2011/
The Inca Trail
Cost- $949.00 CAD
``One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s best known hikes. The four-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region’s ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/the-inca-trail/SPIT/2011/
Ancient Incas of Peru
Cost- $1979.00 CAD
``Framed by mighty peaks, there are moments in the Andes when you realize that you’re not just sightseeing—you’re connecting with a time long past. From the bustling metropolis of Lima to the mystery of the Sacred Valley, our handpicked guides will bring you deep into the heart of the Incan Empire. Embrace cultures past and present in Cuzco before delighting in mountain vistas from the comfort of your coach as you continue by rail to Machu Picchu. Explore ancient history in the Sacred Valley and encounter the passion of living culture in the handiwork of the Women's Weaving Project.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/ancient-incas-of-peru/SPPAD/2011/
Galapagos and Inca Discovery
Cost- $3569.00 CAD
``From the unique wildlife of the Galapagos to the towering peaks of Peru, discover two of South America's iconic highlights in one comprehensive adventure—explore the Galapagos aboard the comfortable g1 before flying into the Andean highlands. As one of the biggest tour operators in the Galapagos, our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—and because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience the intense variety and striking beauty of two of South America's most dramatic regions.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/galapagos-inca-discovery/ED07P/2011/
Inca Discovery- Lares
Cost- $1209.00 CAD
``Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time. Along with a visit to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, this trip will reward you with an intriguing combination of mountainscapes and a four-day Lares trek—a less-travelled but equally rewarding and challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy a glimpse into the rural communities of the highlands around Cuzco.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery-lares/PIL/2011/
Inca Discovery Plus
Cost- $1469.00 CAD
``Like the ‘Inca Discovery’ tour but with a flight back to Lima, this trip offers a fascinating combination of the region’s archeological and cultural treasures. Retrace the steps of the on a four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. One of the world’s best known hikes, it will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of ruins and cloud forests. We run our own treks, which ensures fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our expert CEOs will make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate will burn itself into your memory.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery-plus/PIM/2011/
Inca Heartland
Cost- $2419.00 CAD
``Experience the archeological highlights and the cultural treasures of the Andean highlands and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Nazca Lines and Peru's desert coast on this incredible three-week adventure. Embrace Incan culture past and present in Cuzco and get a taste of Bolivian culture in La Paz. Travel by boat on Lake Titicaca and trek to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. As the Inca Trail’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures quality food, service and equipment. Join us for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-heartland/PXML/2011/
Cost- $1209.00 CAD
"Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time, this adventure includes a four-day trek along the Inca Trail. This is one of the world’s best known hikes and will reward those willing to break a sweat with a stunning combination of mountainscapes, cloud forests and jungles. We run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our knowledgeable CEOs will work hard to make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu will burn itself into your memory."
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery/PID/2011/
The Inca Trail
Cost- $949.00 CAD
``One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s best known hikes. The four-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region’s ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/the-inca-trail/SPIT/2011/
Ancient Incas of Peru
Cost- $1979.00 CAD
``Framed by mighty peaks, there are moments in the Andes when you realize that you’re not just sightseeing—you’re connecting with a time long past. From the bustling metropolis of Lima to the mystery of the Sacred Valley, our handpicked guides will bring you deep into the heart of the Incan Empire. Embrace cultures past and present in Cuzco before delighting in mountain vistas from the comfort of your coach as you continue by rail to Machu Picchu. Explore ancient history in the Sacred Valley and encounter the passion of living culture in the handiwork of the Women's Weaving Project.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/ancient-incas-of-peru/SPPAD/2011/
Galapagos and Inca Discovery
Cost- $3569.00 CAD
``From the unique wildlife of the Galapagos to the towering peaks of Peru, discover two of South America's iconic highlights in one comprehensive adventure—explore the Galapagos aboard the comfortable g1 before flying into the Andean highlands. As one of the biggest tour operators in the Galapagos, our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—and because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience the intense variety and striking beauty of two of South America's most dramatic regions.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/galapagos-inca-discovery/ED07P/2011/
Inca Discovery- Lares
Cost- $1209.00 CAD
``Perfect for those looking to experience the region’s archeological and cultural treasures in a short amount of time. Along with a visit to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, this trip will reward you with an intriguing combination of mountainscapes and a four-day Lares trek—a less-travelled but equally rewarding and challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy a glimpse into the rural communities of the highlands around Cuzco.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery-lares/PIL/2011/
Inca Discovery Plus
Cost- $1469.00 CAD
``Like the ‘Inca Discovery’ tour but with a flight back to Lima, this trip offers a fascinating combination of the region’s archeological and cultural treasures. Retrace the steps of the on a four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. One of the world’s best known hikes, it will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of ruins and cloud forests. We run our own treks, which ensures fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment. Our expert CEOs will make certain the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate will burn itself into your memory.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-discovery-plus/PIM/2011/
Inca Heartland
Cost- $2419.00 CAD
``Experience the archeological highlights and the cultural treasures of the Andean highlands and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Nazca Lines and Peru's desert coast on this incredible three-week adventure. Embrace Incan culture past and present in Cuzco and get a taste of Bolivian culture in La Paz. Travel by boat on Lake Titicaca and trek to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. As the Inca Trail’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures quality food, service and equipment. Join us for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know.``
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/inca-heartland/PXML/2011/
