Rediscovering the lost city of Incas

Trekking to the ruins of Machu Pichhu

The Inspiration
After having bitten by the travel bug early in my life, I travelled extensively around India and abroad *. I wish to see the architectural and the natural wonders that the world has to offer. Ever since I visited the tomb of Tutankhamun, in the valley of King at Luxor, Egypt, I always wanted to experience how discoverers felt on the first sight of their discovery. I wanted to experience firsthand the arduous task these great men undertook to reach their destination. The Inca trail provides me with the perfect opportunity, to walk in the footsteps of Mr. Hiram Bingham, to the site of Machu Pichhu.

About Machu Pichhu

Machu Picchu stands as a testimonial of the architectural excellence of Inca Civilization. It stands at 2430 M above sea level in the midst of a tropical mountain forest. This UNESCO World heritage Site has also been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Other than its beautiful setting, it is famous for the mortar-less construction techniques used which has stood the test of time and frequent earthquake in the region.

The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Pichhu, also known as Camino Inka is a trail used and constructed by Incas to travel between towns. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes along various types of Andean environment like cloud forest and Alpine tundra. Along the route are located, various settlements, tunnels and Incan ruins which make a trek a memorable experience. Due the recent hike in travellers, the Peruvian government has placed a strict limit of 500 people per day, on the number of people entering the trail, making advance reservation necessary.

The Costs Involved

S. No. 1. 2. 3. Expenses Return Air Fare Lima hostel Accommodation Cusco Hostel Accommodation Bus Travel The Trek Food & other expenses Visa Costs Details BOM-Atlanta-Lima Delta Airlines (DL-603/150) 1 day on Arrival & 1 day before Return (650 per day ) 2-day on Arrival for acclimation and 1day before return (600 per day) Lima to Cusco & return as per Cruz Del Sur travels 4-day trek with Lodging & Boarding with Sightseeing 60.00*2 520 Price ($) Price () 90000 1300 1800

4. 5. 6. 7.

6648 29000 13000

1650 Total Cost : 143398 1

* For more details, Refer .ppt File.

The itinerary
Duration: 10 days. Expected time of journey: Early Dec/ Mid Jan 12. Day 1: Lima, Peru On landing in Lima, I intend to move to hostel and spend day at rest, recovering from jet lag. I intend to catch the evening bus to Cusco, Peru.

Day 2: Cusco, Peru On arriving in Cusco, Peru, I plan to spend the day visiting local sites like Plaza De Armas. It is suggested to spend two, days acclimatising to the high altitude (2650 M) before undertaking the trek. Check in hostel to spend the night.

Day 3: Cusco, Peru While continuing to acclimatising to the high altitude, I plan to visit more local sites like Archaeological Museum of Cusco & Iglesia de la Campania church. As a preparation of long trek on the next day, I intend to stroll through the narrow lanes of San Blas. Also, I plan to sleep early to get started on time on the Inca trail. Day 4: PISCACUCHO (Km.82) (The Easy day) The trekking fees include transfer to the Piscacucho, where the Inca trail starts; walking through local villages and enjoying Andean landscape. It is said one get to enjoy the Enjoy the lush green landscape while walking along the Cusichaca River. Finally, settle to camp at Wayllabamba. Accommodation: Camping with L, D. Maximum altitude: 3000 M Minimum Altitude: 2650 M Distance travelled: 12 km Approximate time of walk: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 5: HUAYLLABAMBA PACAYMAYU (The challenge day) The trek requires one to wake early at 6am. I will need to start moving after breakfast. The days walk is filled with stairs and elevates to 4200M. The path will get steep and frequent breaks will be required. However, this part is also has one of the beautiful landscapes. The descend by a winding valley offers opportunity for viewing the diverse fauna of the region. Among breath taking views of Pacaymayo, the group will setup camp for the day. Accommodation: Camping with B, L, D. Maximum altitude: 4200 M Minimum Altitude: 3000 M

2 Photo Source: Internet

Distance travelled: 13 km Approximate time of walk: 6 - 7 hours

Day 6: PACAYMAYU WIAYWAYNA (The unforgettable day) Again, Wake up early at 6am and start moving after breakfast. The travelogue suggests this day to the longest and the most beautiful, due to presence of many Inca building along the way. Supposedly this day, one gets to visit Runkurakay, Sayacmarka & Puyupatamarka ruins. Also, the day ends with visiting the mystical Wiaywayna forever young ruins with wild orchids strewn all over the place. Prepare camp near the place and sleep. Accommodation: Camping Maximum Altitude: 3900 M Minimum Altitude: 2700 M Distance travelled: 16 km approximate hiking time: 7 to 8 hours. Day 7: WIAYWAYNA MACHUPICCHU (The D - day) Today wake up really early at 4 am and start moving after breakfast. After hiking for 1.5 hours, the travellers reach Itni Punku or Sun gate, the point where you can see Machu Pichhu. After taking some photographs, we go down to Machu Pichhu, one of the seven wonder of the world. I intend to spend the entire day exploring the city. In the evening, Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, and take the train back to city. Sleep in hostel at the city. Accommodation: Hostel Maximum altitude: 2700 M Minimum Altitude: 2400 M Distance: 6 km approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours Day 8: CUSCO-LIMA I intend to take the bus back to Lima, Peru. The day would be spent travelling. On arrival, transfer to hostel and sleep for the day. Day 9: LIMA I intend to start my day early and cover the colonial attraction that Lima has to offer. These include Casa Osambela, Casa de Alliaga, Torre Talge Palace and Church of San franciso.

Day 10: LIMA Today, I will fly back to India, preferable on a late night flight. I intend to spend the day in Miraflores. Starting the day with visiting Huaca Pucllana ruins, a pre-Inca mud brick temple. Rest of the day will be spent either paragliding or visiting

shopping areas, gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches.

3 Photo Source: Internet