inca trail, andean

Andean Life Tour Operator, Specialist Licensed Inca Trail Operator with regular fixed departure dates

Main Office in Cusco City : Calle Plateros 368, office 104 Second Floor, within the hostal Caceres, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru            
(Located just half block from the main square of Cusco City)                                       
Office Telephone 1 :         + 51-84-221491                                                                                                                                      
Emergency Mobil Phone: + 51-84-974-999282
                                                                

Licensed Inca Trail tour operator, specialists in trekking in the Andes (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other treks)
©Andean Life 1999 - 2011. All material within this web site is original work and subject to national and international copyright laws and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.

Andean Life is an adventure tour operator located in the heart of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The company was established in 1997 by local guides with the aim of operating quality treks and tours in the Cusco region. Over the years we have built up a professional team of guides, cooks, porters and horsemen as well as excellent camping equipment. By providing a relaxed and enjoyable working environment together with being able to provide constant work throughout the year Andean Life has been lucky enough to attract some of the best guides in Peru. You’ll find that trekking with a guide who knows and loves the country will help educate you about Peru’s amazing history and culture, providing you with an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our company emphasis is on providing a personal service and ensuring that everyone in the group returns satisfied.

The Staff here at Andean Life take a slightly different approach to life than the usual office employee. We're not travel agents sitting behind a desk in suits advising you on things that we've only read about in books – we're made up of people with real experience in travelling, all from different backgrounds but with a genuine love of Peru: its culture, its mountains and jungles, and its even been known for us to enjoy a night out in the occasional bar or disco!
The staff in our office here in Cusco are made up of the following:

William Amaru, 33, Manager, Trekking Guide & Tour Leader
Born and bred in Peru's Inca heartland Cusco, William has been a professional guide for the last 10 years. He knows the Inca Trail like the back of his hand, he should do, he's walked it over 150 times and ran it once in 6 hours ! (or so he says). William is our expert on trekking in the Andes and Peruvian history and culture. This year (2004) William hopes to escape the office more often and get back to guiding some of our groups again - the work that he enjoys most.

Pathy Amaru, 33, Office Manager & Guide
William's wife Pathy is one of Peru's growing number of professional female guides. Pathy leads groups on the Inca Trail as well as on expeditions all over Peru. However she can often be found in our office giving out information and advice and organizing the treks when William is away trekking.

The Guides
Andean Life employs 12 professional guides on a permanent basis and another 8 guides on a freelance basis. All of our guides are local to the Cusco region and are well experienced not only in the treks and archeological ruins but in local traditions, culture and flora and fauna.

Our Cooks and Porters
Andean Life employs 8 full time cooks and over 120 porters (80 on a permanent basis and 40 on a more informal basis during the high season when demand is greatest). For more information on porter welfare and our commitment to helping porter communities see our Responsible Tourism section)

At Andean Life we want you to enjoy Peru as much as we do. We don't want to sell you anything you don't want or talk you into a trek that you may not be ready for so feel free to email us with any of your queries. We also understand that you may have concerns about your consumer rights in another country. To put your mind at rest we have taken every effort to comply with all Peruvian legislation and codes of good practice and have taken many additional security measures to give you peace of mind. Some or the main measures are listed below:

1. Andean Life Tour Operator S.A.C is a registered company in Cusco, Peru, (Registro Unificado No 636739 Sector Turismo).
2. Andean Life Tour Operator S.A.C has been granted a license to operate as a tour operator by the Cusco Municipal Council (Municipalidad del Qosqo licencia de funcionamiento No 006728). Many so called tour companies do not have a license to operate tours, only to act as intermediate travel agencies and some companies have no licenses at all.
3. Andean Life is a member of AATC (Associacion de Agencias de Turismo del Cusco or the Cusco Tourism Agency Association. Certificate No.0135).
4. Andean Life is licensed by the UGM to operate the Inca Trail
Before paying any money we will give you a written contract of services itemizing exactly what is included in the tour.

http://www.andeanlifeperu.com/

Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights

 

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 4D/3N

INCA TRAIL  Description: Overview

Visitors come from all parts of the world to Peru, not only to see Machu Picchu but to walk the Inca Trail, the most famous hike in South America. They come to see the ruins and the scenery which makes this trail so famous. The total distance of the Inca trail is approximately 43 kilometres, departing from the place known as Kilometre 88. To begin the trip, one crosses the narrow bridge at Kusicancha, and afterwards heads towards the left hand side of a forest of Eucalyptus trees. Camping on this night is either in Wayllabamba or Llullucha. The second day is more difficult, as you have to climb to 4200 metres at the Pass of Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s pass). The third day is the longest, but also the most interesting for many people as you can visit impressive ruins like Runkuracay and Sayaqmarca. Camping is either in Phuyupatamarca or Wiñayhuayna. On the final day many groups leave early to see the sun rise over Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku (sun gate). The remainder of the day is spent exploring this fabulous ancient city.

First day – Kilometre 82 to Wayllabamba Campsite

This day begins early as passengers are collected from their hotels between 6.30am and 7am. We travel for about 3 hours in the bus with a one hour stop in Urubamba to buy provisions, continuing onto Kilometre 88, which is past the village of Ollantaytambo. Here the passengers must register at the check point in order to begin their hike. From there, there are just 42 kilometres of mountains, Andean valleys, rivers and tropical forests that separate you from Machu Picchu. The first section, heading to the campsite of Miskay, where we can lunch, takes just one hour and is mostly flat with light climbs. After lunch, we cross a canyon. Once out of the canyon, we can see the ruins of the small city of Llactapata. The trail descends to enter the valley of the Kusichaca river, and from there the trail has a light climb to the campsite of Wayllabamba, where we arrive after 2 or 3 hours after the lunch break. The campsite is at 3,000 metres and one can feel the cold at night. After dinner, and before going to bed, it’s great to observe the stars. On nights without stars, it is possible to see the Milky Way.

Second day - Wayllabamba Campsite to Pacaymayo Campsite

The Porters wake up the passengers at 6am so that they can pack their things and have breakfast. The second day is considered by many the most difficult because one must climb 1200 metres to the highest point on the trail, the Warmiwañusca Pass (or Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4200 metres. This climb will take about four or five hours. When you arrive at the pass, you may feel like a rest. It can get quite cold at such an altitude so it is necessary to have lots of warm clothes. If you have contracted a porter to carry your things, don’t forget to have a thick jacket and long pants on hand for the pass. Once we have conquered the pass, we continue with a descent to the campsite. The descent takes about two hours, however, some groups like to stop and prepare lunch in the middle of the descent, in order to rest a little. Other groups like to have lunch in the campsite for the night - at Pacaymayo. In this form, you can rest for the whole afternoon. There are cold showers available at this campsite. Advice: It is possible to contract the services of porters to carry your backpacks for the whole journey. Alternatively, you might like to contract them to carry them to the Pass or to the campsite of Pacaymayo. This is recommended if you don’t feel prepared for the altitude and the long hike, it is more important to enjoy the walk than suffer under your backpack. You can coordinate this with your guide and pay your porter directly.

Third Day: Pacaymayo Campsite to Wiñaywayna campsite

The third day is considered the most interesting, but it is also the longest. We begin with an ascent of an hour and a half to the Pass of Runkurakay, at an altitude of 3950 metres. On the trail we visit an ancient control post of the Incas, as well as a lagoon where it is possible to occasionally see deer drinking. Once we have climbed the pass, the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. While on the trail we visit four more ruins, the first being Sayacmarca which in the Inca period was a control point for the trails that headed toward Machu Picchu. After visiting these ruins, we will continue to Phuyupatamarca where groups often lunch. From here, the descent is inclined and tiring because it is mostly stairs. Finally, we arrive at the ruins of Intipata, a complex of terraces and andenes constructed in the middle of the slope of a heavily vegetated mountain. The trail winds finally to the campsite of Wiñaywayna where one can camp, buy a well deserved beer, or take a cold shower. You should also visit the ruins of Wiñaywayna which are similar in type to those of Intipata, but more impressive.

Fourth day Wiñaywayna campsite to Machu Picchu

This day begins earlier than normal, at 5.30am, as the groups begin their walk towards Machu Picchu. It is important to carry a torch because it is dark at this time and the path is narrow. We arrive after an hour and a half of hiking at Inti Punku – or the sun gate, where it is it possible to see for the first time the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu. From here it is only a half hour more to arrive at the ruins where you will have plenty of time to explore. It is recommended, if you have the energy, to climb the peak of Huayna Picchu from where you can have a spectacular view of the lost city.

Our Services include:

• Pick up all participants from different hotels, then transfer by bus to 82Km. (start of the trail).

• Entrance Fee, Inca Trail and Machupicchu city.

• Large tents, each for 2 persons occupancy.

• Mattresses, one per person.

• Kitchen tent.

• Dining tent.

• Tables and chairs.

• Toilet tent (This is used in case the campsite does not have toilets).

• English speaking professional tour guide (over 8 members, 2 guides).

• Expert cook.

• Porters (only to carry tents, food supplies and kitchen equipment)

• Train Ticket (Backpacker train from Aguas Calientes village to Cusco).

• Full meals during the trek.

• Daily snack bag.

• Daily afternoon tea service.

• Daily wake up call tea, and warm water for washing.

• Daily morning boiled and cold water to refill water bottles.

• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.

• Transfer train station / hotel

Our services does not include:

• Breakfast the first morning (you can order an early breakfast at your hotel)

• Lunch and Dinner the last day (on your own).

• Hot springs pools visit (on your own).

• Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu Inca city to Aguas Calientes village.

• Tips for the crew (guides, cooks and porters).

Bring with you:

• Water

• Mosquito Repellent

• Sun block and sunglasses

• Trekking boots

• Hat or cap

• Towel

• Toilet paper

• Rain poncho

• Warm but light Clothes

Inca Trail Availability

All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.

Machu Picchu trips by Train 2 days / 1 night 

Machu Picchu trips  First day :  

At 6:20 a.m. we will pick them to their hotels and go towards transportation ollantaytanbo tour lasts approx min 1:30 where we hoped the train going to machu village, which is popularly known as "hot", arriving around from 10:30 in the morning and transfer to hotel where they spent the night booked, free time for activities.

Machu Picchu trips Second day  :   

Take the bus heading toward the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one option is to hike two hours up to the citadel, will have a guided tour of 2 hours and a half, then you will have more free time to visit places like huaynapicchu, inti Punku Temple of the Moon among others Seeing the return train heading towards Ollantaytambo and from there transport tourist to Cusco, you will always be half an hour before the train station.

Machu Picchu trips SERVICE INCLUDES

• Transport R/T.

• Train return ticket R/T.

• One night hostal with breakfast included..

• Transfer.

• Professional Guide

• Tickets to Machupicchu

• Bus down the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu trips  NOT INCLUDED:

• Food..

• Extra expenses.

INCA TRAIL  TO MACHU PICCHU 4D/3N

The inca trail program is available in 2 types of services:

 1.-Standard Pool Service: This is our most popular trek and offers to visitors the most economical method to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. you’ll be joining a group of other trekkers like you coming from overseas, a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends. inca trail, inca trail to machu picchu
Price per person : US$ 400.

2.-Private Service:This is a special trek program just for you we don´t add any people, is arranged just for you and offers the possibility to choose the departure date and the group size. All private groups include additional services, such as extra porters to carry your personal gear, among others. The minnimun group for this service is 02 pax.

Minnimun group: 02 pax
Prices per person: US$ 600,                 

INTINERARY 

DAY 1 : CUSCO - KM. 82 - HUAYLLABAMBA.-

Depart Cusco by bus at 07:00, to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. After 1 hour trip we will take you to km 82 that is the start point of the Inca trail . Hike to Huayllabamba (3000m.) along the Urubamba river.The hike lasts 5 hours. inca trail to machu picchu

DAY 2 : WAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYU.-

 Difficult day, We slowly go up hill (2 ½ hrs.) to a pretty campsite such as Lluchapampa (halfway up the first pass). and 2hrs later we arrive to Warmihuañusca pass (4200m.) and then , we go down to get to PacaymayuValley, (3500m.) We camp here

DAY 3 : PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYHUAYNA.-

The best day to enjoy the adventure, walking along the original Inca trail. We visit Runcaracay Inca site, then We go up hill to Runcuracay pass (3950m.) where we have an amazing view of the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges , We visit the next Inca sites: Sayacmarca, Phuyutamarca y Wiñayhuayna (2600m.) place where we camp. inca trail to machu picchu

DAY 4 : WIÑAYHUAYNA - MACHUPICCHU .- After breakfast, we walk to the Intipunco (Sun gate) ,We have an overall view of Machupicchu. We will also visit the mostimportant places in Machupicchu, during the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco. inca trail to machu picchu

STUDENT DISCOUNT:
In order to get the discount it is necessary to send us via email the scanned copy of your ISIC (International Student Card) within two days.
Without this copy we will not be able to offer you the student discount.
 

IMPORTANT NOTES
*Reservations need to be done four months prior to arrive to Cusco.
Nevertheless take note there is a limit of visitors per day so I suggest you to book the trip as soon as possible to guarantee your spots.

*Remember to take your passport and your isic card on the inca trail because without they you are not going to be able to do the hiking and take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, the rest of your luggages you can leave it at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels and hostals has an storage where to keep until your return)

* Participants need to be in good physical health and condition it is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inka Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inka Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka Trail Expedition.

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The famous inca trail to Machu picchu is now on your way, hike with us and enjoy the nature dominated by mountains and your satisfaction will be complete visiting the ruins of the inca trail such as: LLactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay wayna.You can feel a great experience arriving to the Sun Gate of Machu picchu, from this point you will enjoy the lost city of the Inkas: Machu picchu. The inca trail is beginning with an arid cactus zone on the Urubamba valley floor, rising through native Polylepis forest to bleak high-altitude grassland, and ending in mossy cloud forest draped with orchids and bromeliads for the next days you will walk throuth the andean mountains....our inca trail groups are operated by a team of professionals with a tremendous wealth of experience in the Inca trail trek and are capable of fulfilling every needs of our clients requirement while trekking with us the famous inca trail. http://www.incatrailtour.com/