The terrain is fairly jagged, with many gullies and streams fed by glaciers which eventually pour into the Urubamba river, which crosses the area forming a deep valley which runs through the granite base of Vilcabamba for more than 40 km through a variety of eco-systems. The road is paved with stone tiles, thus the hikers shall exert the utmost care when using this road during the rain season.

LANDSCAPE

The Inca Trail crosses dense forests and deep canyons. The natural surroundings are impressive and the balance achieved between nature and Inca architecture is striking. The Vilcabamba mountain range boasts peaks higher than 6,000 meters such as the Salkantay and Huamantay among others. The blend of mountains, jungle, and valleys create a fantasy world where the spectacular dawn and sunset are shrouded in mystery.

FAUNA

Animal life is abundant and varied. The existence of spieces in danger of extinction such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos Omatus), the cock of the Rock (Rupicola Peruviana), the dwarf deer (Pudu Mephistopheles), etc., was one of the reasons why the Government decided to declare it a Conservation Unit. Unfortunately, the Government with one strike of the pen undid what they wanted to protect. The noisy helicopter operation, from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, was approved, and allowed to operate. This changed the environment. The old and heavy helicopter sends strong vibrations and loads of forces impacting the terrain, altering the natural equilibrium, changing the eco-system, thus, altering the frail balance in which these spices have lived. This resulted in the migration of most of these spices away pushing them further down into the Amazon jungle.

The park includes other spices such as the puma (cougar), Andean fox, river otter, Taruka (Huemul deer), wildcat, ferret, etc. There are birds such as the Cara Cara, hummingbird, torrent duck, parrot, wild turkey, and many other colorful smaller birds. Reptiles are also present like the Jergon Bothrops and the coral micrurus snake (lethal for its venom), lizards, frogs, and numerous Andean and jungle fauna which inhabit the Sanctuary. This abundant wildlife makes the Sanctuary ideal for tourists and researchers who wish to watch or study the animals.

FLORA

The large natural areas are filled with a variety of forest species varying according to the habitat. The vegetation is represented by trees such as the cedar, romerillo (intimpa), laurel, etc. Among other spices there are the Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania, Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Eritrina or Pisonary, Ilex, etc. The decorative plants have made the Sanctuary famous. Experts have identified more than 90 species of orchids, and many species of begonias and puya cacti. Most of the area is covered by herbaceous, shrublike and arboreal plants. The varied conditions have created an ideal environment for the growth of diverse plant life that runs from thick jungle like the cloud forest to the sparsely covered mountain tops.

ARCHAEOLOGY

There are 18 archaeological complexes dotted along the trail which can be seen in all their splendor. These are made up of housing. Irrigation canals, agricultural terracing, walls and shrines, which are irrefutable proof of the existence of important human settlements.

ROAD DESCRIPTION

The total distance based on a four days with three nights tour is around 40 Km. It begins at Km. 88 at a place called Q'oriwayrachina at an approximate altitude of 2.200 meters. The trails begins properly by crossing the Urubamba river at the Kusichaca bridge, an important Inca bridge which was built with steel cables using Inca techniques. Then you head over to the left bank through as Eucalyptus grove and start the day calmly.

The first archaeological complexes are right there: Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca and Patallacta. From this last spot, follow the trail along the left side of the Kusichaca river in the area with the same name where you will see not only the bridge but tombs, aqueducts, terraces, roads and a canyon. Continue to reach the small peasant village of Wayllabamba and Inca aqueducts. It takes around four hours to cover the 9 Km up to this spot. Campsite can be made here, at 2,300 meters, but, we recommend the more comfortable staying in Llullucha 1.6 Km further on, at 3,380 meters.

On the second day you have to climb up to 4,200 meters crossing the Warmiwañusqa pass, the first and the highest. A quick descend will bring you to the valley of the Pakaymayu river, where you can camp. This spot is at 7 Km away and an approximately 8-hour walk.

The third day is the longest and the most interesting. You will visit impressive complexes such as Runkuraqay, the second pass at 3,800 meters. This is a walled complex with interior niches that perhaps was a small place for rest, guardpost and worship place. Then a descend to Yanacocha (black lagoon), then another climb up a path with stone steps until you reach another cluster of buildings: Sayaqmarka, a pre-Hispanic complex with narrow streets, buildings erected on different levels, shrines, patios,

Canals and a protecting outer wall. At the top of the buttress you can see many constructions which lead one to suppose they once were a temple and an astronomical observatory which had a permanent supply of water and excellent food storehouses. Sayaqmarka is 5 Km away from Runkuracay or about two hours walking. Now you are at 3,600 meters above sea level. The paths are excellent and a tunnel built in the rock!!. Camping near Phuyupatamarca ruins is recommended. This is located at 3 Km further on at the Wiñayhuayna Visitor Center, where you can buy food and drinks or use the "restrooms" (lesser than basic). The Phuyupatamarca ruins are better preserved than those seen before now. It has a solid base built down to several meters in some cases. The Wiñaywayna ruins were given the name possible because of the abundance of beautiful type or orchid which flowers nearly year-round in the whole area. There is no solid information about the specific function of six groups of dwellings near Machu Picchu. They are divided up into four well-define sectors which are the agricultural sector with many terraces, the religious sector, the fountain sector and the residential sector where the houses are located.

On the fourth day, you will arrive to Machu Picchu early. The path is clearly marked, but, avoid getting too close to the cliff edge specially during the rain season; it is really dangerous. It is forbidden to camp at the IntiPunku or "Gate of the Sun". Leave your equipment at the control gate and enjoy getting to know the most important monument in this part of the continent. There is another camp site at the Aguas Calientes town which can be used for your extra overnight in the area.

TRAINS

There are various types of train services: the tourist wagon provides the de-luxe ride from Aguas Calientes to Cuzco; the "Inka" services combines a tourist class with busses; the "Pullman" service is the only wagon on the regular passenger train and it takes around 1.5 hours more to do the return trip; and finally , the "Expreso" which is just the normal passenger coach without seat arrangements. Prices on these services varies accordingly.

Rains, from December to March, produce mud slides which interrupt the continuity of the train services. Be aware of this factor when planning your trip.

SERVICES

There are three level of services with two alternatives.

The basic service (seat-in-car (sic) only, individuals sharing resources) is the cheapest of all and the traveler has to carry all luggage. This service does not meet our minimum standard of quality; thus, we do not offer this service to our customers. The description of this service is here in provided for basic comparison. Porters are to carry food and by-personal tents with basic mattresses only. Departures are from Monday to Saturday and there could be up to 25 tourist per group for one guide. Explanations are just too short and delivered in both, Spanish and English (mixed language). Meals are very basic - 3 breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 dinners - low protein and basic selection, and served on plastic ware and "al-fresco", even if it rains!!. On the last day you are served only breakfast. The return from Machu Picchu ruins to the Aguas Calientes train station is at your own. The return to Cuzco is via train "second-class" wagon without seat reservations. For those who want to spend cheap, you know now what you will get!!.

The regular service includes two extra days for arrival and departure and it could be based on private services (English) or a semi-private group (sic - mixed language) with no more than 15 people. Departures are any day (private) and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (sic). Drinking provided "mate de coca" on the first day on the trail is mandatory. Food is much better, meals are larger and well balanced; porters shall carry passengers' load; tents are provided for comfort, Buffet lunch at Ruins hotel on the last day is optional and can be arranged as well as the bus transfer from the ruins to the train station; seats on Tourist Wagon on the train back to Cusco. The passenger will carry only the daily needs such as rain gear, etc., on a personal back pack. One expert bilingual guide delivers all explanations in mixed language (sic) or preferred language (private). If you want to extend your permanency for one more day, the overnight can be arranged at the Aguas Calientes "Orquidea" hostel (2*) or at a local "Presidente" or "Machu Picchu Inn" basic 3* hotel on DWB. Breakfast on the extra day is provided; a second entrance to the ruins is at your own. The return is around 4 PM via Train Pullman.

The special private service includes two extra days for arrival and departure and departs at any day. The passengers carry no loads. Porters carry all loads, and dining tables and chairs. Drinking provided "mate de coca" on the first day on the trail is mandatory. There are three full meals daily, better than the prior two programs and meals are prepared per your pre-requested dietary needs, snacks, and extra water; buffet lunch is served on the last day at the ruins hotel and bus transfer from the ruins to the train station too. Provided gear is of the best quality and shape; tents for dining, chemical bath, cook, and by-personal sleeping tents with mattresses are part of our services. The guide is professional expert bilingual delivering explanations in requested language. The return from the ruins to Cuzco is based on the InKa service or Tourist Wagon train, depending on availability. If you decide to stay one extra day, the overnight is at your choice at the "Machu Picchu Pueblo" (5*), Ruins hotel (3*), a local three star hotel or the best hostal in Aguas Calientes; continental breakfast is also provided for your enjoyment in your Inca Trail "Adventure in Peru".

ITINERARIES