Trek the Inca Itinerary - May 17th - 26th May 2008

Day 1 – Saturday 17th May
Travelled from London to Lime via Amsterdam. In total this was approximately a 16 hour flight.

Day 2 – Sunday 18th May
Lima – Cusco
We had to get up around 6am to catch a domestic flight over the Andes to the history city of Cusco (3400 above sea level). We were then transferred to our overnight hotel where we spent the next 3 nights. We were able to explore this afternoon and then had dinner at the hotel and a briefing.

Day 3 – Monday 18th May
We had another free day in Cusco. Quite a few people were now suffering from altitude sickness, such as severe headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea. I had a very giddy head and felt a little tired.

Day 4 – Tuesday 20th May
This was an optional day tour and included a visit to the Sacred Valley, the Inca site and a visit to the market town of Pisac. We had a gently hike over part of the Inca Trail which took me outside of my comfort zone.

Day 5 – Wednesday 21st May 4-5 hours
We left Cusco to visit Ollantaytambo and Huayllabamba.
Another early rise (around 5.30am) by coach to the market town of Ollantaytambo. This was our last visit before we reached the Inca Trail. From there is was another hour by coach before we started trekking at an altitude of 2500m.

We trekked two hours until lunch time. During the break there was a cultural talk as we overlooked the first of the Inca Ruins. From there we trekked another 2-3 hours to our overnight camp at Huayllamamba (3000m),

Day 6 – Thursday 22nd May 7-8 hours
Huayllabamba – Warmiwanuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) – River Paqaymayo
From Huayllabamba the trail climbed steeply along the banks of the River Llullucha. After about 2 hours, we took a break beside the river. We then continued for a further 2 hours through beautiful cloud forest until we stopped for lunch at Lullchampampa at 3850m. After lunch we set of slowly for the last 2 hours which took us over Dead Woman’s Pass – Warmiwanuska at 4200m. This was the highest point of the trek and the altitude made it a slow ascent with the air becoming increasingly thinner. From the top there is a steep and tiring descent to our camp in picturesque surrounds near the River Paqaymayo (3600m).

Day 7 – Friday 23rd May – 8-10 hours
River Paqaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyu Pata Marca – Winay Wayna
Another early start. A 45 minute steep ascent to Runkuracay – 3800m, a small archaeological site. Along the way we trekked by a lack. From the Pass it is 45 minutes – 1 hour descent, which started with a short tunnel and then down stpes frollwed by a gradual downhill stretch to the well preserved Inca ruins at Sayaqmarca (3600m). After lunch we ascend then more gradual up-hills with some level terrain. We continue into lush forest valley for lunch. After lunch a steep ascent, into a short tunnel. At Phuyu Pata Marca (Town above the clouds) we stopped to enjoy the views and another cultural explanation. Afterwards it was an 1 12 downhill section through beautiful cloud forest Today was a very long and difficult day. Camped out.

Day 8 – Saturday 24th May 3-4 hours
Winay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Another early start 4.00am in order to reach Intipunku (Gates of the Sun) for sunrise. The trail is undulating with a series of very steep steps. From here it is possible to glimpse the awe inspiring Lost City of the Incase, Machu Picchu.

Day 9 – Sunday 25th MayLate morning flight from Cusco to Lima. Transfer to the City Centre for lunch and last minute shopping before catching flight to London.

Day 10 – Monday 26th May
Arrive back in London.