Peru Inca Trail Private Trekking Tour

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Beat the crowds of fellow trekkers on the Inca Trail with later start times and special campsites
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Enjoy delicious hot meals and relax each night in comfort at campsites set up by our dedicated porter team; you carry only a daypack!
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Explore Machu Picchu at the end of your hike, arriving via the Inti Punku, then return to explore the site the next day with fresh legs!
            [Description] => Explore Machu Picchu at the end of your hike, arriving via the Inti Punku, then return to explore the site the next day with fresh legs!
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Manolo L.

Manolo is one of Peru’s most skilled adventure travel guides, with more than 30 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes and the classic trekking routes that trace the footsteps of the Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the region, people, and traditions immensely enrich the travel experience. He is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas—and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

Manuel L.

Manuel started out as a field assistant with MT Sobek more than 20 years ago, and is now considered one of the best trek and tour leaders in Peru. He graduated with a degree in agriculture and when not guiding trips, he raises white corn on a farm in a valley near Cusco. Manuel's knowledge of the local Quechua language combined with his extensive studies in Inca culture, provide a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him the ideal traveling companion.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive Cusco, Scenic Drive to Chinchero & the Sacred Valley 
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Arrive this morning in Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Meet your guide and private driver and set out on a scenic drive from Cusco (11,200\') to the market town of Chinchero for a visit to the iconic market and a private demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques. After a special picnic lunch with views of distant snowcapped mountains, continue to the base of the Sacred Valley (9,000\'), passing fields and adobe houses with red-tiled roofs. Arrive late afternoon at Las Qolqas, an eco-luxury retreat set in gorgeous garden grounds at the west end of the valley, just past the town of Ollantaytambo, and enjoy time at leisure to rest and acclimate to the altitude. The Sacred Valley is about 2,000\' lower in elevation than Cusco, so by staying here the first two nights instead of in Cusco, you will be able to acclimate more slowly and enjoy the trek portion to the fullest.


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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => -13.525
                    [Longitude] => -71.952
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            [1] => Array
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                    [Headline] => Hike Trails from Pumamarca and Explore Ancient Site of Ollantaytambo 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/4.5 miles with 350\' elevation gain and 1,700\' elevation loss; 1.5-hours visit to Ollantaytambo (200 steps up and down)
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Rise for a hike along a mountain path, starting in the village of Pallata and climbing to ancient Pumamarca (11,200\'). The Inca chose this place well, as a high vista point overlooking the verdant Patacancha Valley and the convergence of two rivers far below. Explore the archaeological complex, with its carefully hewn stone stairs and ceremonial buildings, then begin the descent, passing functional yet beautiful farmed terraces accompanied by sweeping, panoramic views, as well as local communities and isolated dwellings, where you\'ll catch brief glimpses into traditional daily life. Arrive in Ollantaytambo for a traditional Pachamanca lunch, then climb to the top of the city\'s well-preserved ruins. This monumental fortress is one of the few places where the Inca Empire won a major battle against the Spanish. Descend back to the town and discover fascinating vestiges of Incan town planning, including traditional housing compounds, stone streets, and an extensive communal water system. Gather this evening for a briefing in preparation for the Inca Trail Trek that begins tomorrow.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
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                    [Travel_Type] => 40-minutes total driving by private van
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                    [Latitude] => 13.258 S
                    [Longitude] => 72.264 W
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                    [Headline] => Start Inca Trail Hike
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/6.9 miles hiking with 520\' elevation loss and 300\' elevation gain
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                    [ItinBlock] => Drive a short distance this morning to Km 82, the starting point for the Inca Trail Trek. Most groups cross the Urubamba River at Km 82, but you\'ll follow the river downstream and cross at Km 88, setting the tone for the rest of the trip - isolated, avoiding the crowds and having the landscapes all to yourselves. Arrive in Chamana, a small village that\'s part of the Llaqtapata Community, and enjoy a picnic at a private campsite (8,481\'). As evening approaches, you will have the option to hike to the archaeological sites of Wayna Q\'ente and Llaqtapata, charming ruins of Incan stone walls, stairs, and other constructions that will leave you in awe. Enjoy the luxury of hot showers and a warm dinner at camp this evening.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => -13.187
                    [Longitude] => -72.584
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                    [Headline] => Trek from Llaqtapata to Llulluchapampa
                    [ActivityOverview] => 7-8 hours/7.3 miles hiking with 3,850\' elevation gain
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                    [ItinBlock] => Continue your journey up the narrow Cusichaca Valley, passing houses inhabited by farmers and herdsmen, until you reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here, the Inca Trail ascends steeply up stone steps through an ancient native forest bursting with melodic birdsong. The trail begins to level out at your campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,336\'), situated just below the first pass. Here, experience breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay and a first glimpse of the rare Andean cloud forest of Queñua, or Polylepis trees. Their reddish bark peels into paper-like sheets, hence their familiar name, \"Paper Tree.\"
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                    [Latitude] => -13.250
                    [Longitude] => -72.471
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                    [Headline] => Tackle Warmiwañusqa and Runkurakay Passes
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8-9 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,470\' elevation gain to first pass, then 2,010\' elevation loss, then 1,230\' elevation gain to second pass and 1,010\' elevation loss to overnight camp
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                    [ItinBlock] => Wake early for the hike\'s longest leg, a steep hike through three climatic zones that tackles the trail\'s two highest points. First is the fabled Warmiwañusqa Pass (13,802\')—the highest point on the Inca Trail! The Quechua name translates to \"Dead Woman\'s Pass,\" so named because the crest of the pass resembles a woman lying down. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding ridges and peaks, then descend to the Pacaymayo River for a hearty lunch. Ascend again to the second pass of the day, at Runkurakay (13,018\'), then begin a descent that reveals the first signs of the mist-filled Andean cloud forest, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Look out for hummingbirds, butterflies, and delicate orchids. Continue along a ridge with views of snow-capped Mt Salkantay on the western side and Mt Pumasillo silhouetted on the horizon to the north. Follow the flag-stoned trail to Phuyupatamarca, meaning \"village at the edge of the clouds,\" and camp (12,008\').
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                    [Latitude] => -13.244
                    [Longitude] => -72.482
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                    [Headline] => Trek the Last Leg to Machu Picchu
                    [ActivityOverview] => 7-8 hours/6.8 miles hiking with 4,030\' elevation loss
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                    [ItinBlock] => Today you\'ll get your first glimpse of the citadel at Machu Picchu - a long-awaited moment you\'ve worked hard for! Rise for a glorious sunrise view and steaming cup of tea uphill from the campsite. After breakfast, trek along a buttress, passing the ruins at Phuyupatamarca, with an irrigation system built over five centuries ago, that still works today! Zigzag down a series of stone steps into the cloud forest and arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (\"Forever Young\"), located just below the ridge. After lunch, continue ascending ancient stone steps and the narrow trail up to Intipunku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Pause to absorb the awesome view, with the gentle late-afternoon light both illuminating the ruins and casting them in mystical shadow, then follow the trail down to Machu Picchu itself, arriving late-afternoon. Continue by shuttle bus to your luxury hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute public shuttle from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
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                    [Latitude] => -13.165
                    [Longitude] => -72.538
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                    [Headline] => Experience Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco 
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                    [ItinBlock] => Enjoy an in-depth walking tour of Machu Picchu\'s various main structures and learn about their importance in Inca times. Take a challenging climb up either Machu Picchu\'s Old Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional — additional cost applies and tickets are subject to availability for the date) and be rewarded by breathtaking views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. After lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, return to Aguas Calientes for the train journey back to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private van to Cusco. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening at Cicciolina, one of the best restaurants in Cusco.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute public shuttle to/from Machu Picchu; 2-hour train ride; 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Headline] => Explore Cusco and Fly Home
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Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient capital of the Inca Empire, with remnants of the original walls and temples, and artisans at work. Also venture above the city to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive examples of Incan engineering. Transfer to Cusco airport for evening flights home.
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                    [Latitude] => -13.526
                    [Longitude] => -71.961
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Moderate to strenuous hiking for 7 to 9 hours a day on 3 consecutive days over rugged mountain trails with high altitude passes above 12,000\', plus 2 shorter days of hiking
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Accommodations

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Three nights of tent camping on the Inca Trail, deluxe hotels in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and boutique hotel in Cusco.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel-Aguas Calientes

Luxury Hotel

A village in its own right, Inkaterra Machu Picchu comprises 83 whitewashed casitas set among 12 acres of cloud forest complete with terraced hills, waterfalls, and lush gardens. The individual casitas feature inviting beds and rustically elegant decor. Diners in the first-class restaurant can indulge in Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, while admiring views over the Vilcanota River.

MT Sobek Camp Inca Trail

Comfortable Camping

Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a comfortable camp set up and a delicious hot meal prepared, with double occupancy tents fitted with Thermarest sleeping pads and solar energy lamps and a dining tent with table and stools. By meeting stringent environmental practices, we are one of the few permitted to camp in remote sites away from the crowds. Additionally, we carry our own ecological toilet, which can be used during lunch breaks and while you are at camp: this means you are able to avoid the use of the public bathrooms that are frequented by many other trekkers.

Las Qolqas Eco Resort

Luxury Lodge

Elegant glamping tents similar to African safari tents, constructed with high-quality canvas, real beds, a full en-suite bathroom with shower, and a wood stove make a wonderful experience at Las Qolqas Eco Resort. The tents are insulated to shelter guests from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. The resort is located just outside the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, near the start of the classic Inca Trail, and is surrounded by botanical gardens and an orchard, and features an excellent greenhouse restaurant focused on locally sourced ingredients. A sauna, Onsen hot bath, and massage treatments are available. The name "Las Qolqas" refers to the beautiful stone structures that the Inca used as warehouses for grains and textiles (of which Ollantaytambo boasts some of the finest examples).

Antigua Casona San Blas

Comfortable Hotel

Housed in a former 18th century private residence that has been painstaking restored with adobe walls and hand-carved balconies, the charming Antigua Casona San Blas is located in Cusco's artisan district of San Blas, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods with narrow cobblestone streets and excellent galleries, coffee shops and restaurants, and just a 5-minute walk from the city center. The rooms are beautifully appointed, with authentic terracotta brick or hardwood floors, insulated and soundproofed windows and doors, and modern conveniences and comforts, such as flat screen TV, WiFi, and comfortable beds with hypoallergenic sheets and pillows.

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