Friday 19th May 2017
Email from Brett
Reference - Days 6 and 7 and 8 and 9
I am  doing this trail
"Route 2 - Inca Quarry Trail"

Day 1 - Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1
Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place
Straight after the meeting enjoy a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre
Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima
If you arrive early, we recommend you take a walk around Miraflores
Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue
Alternatively go to Parque del Amor (Love's Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches
Other great things to see and do include a tour to Pachacamac (around 30 km from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion and the Gold Museum
Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood speciality
Notes: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health
Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
• Lima - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities
• Lima - Museum of the Inquisition visit - Free
• Lima - Archaeological Museum - PEN15
• Lima Home Cooked - Urban Adventures - USD74
• Lima Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventures - USD45
• Lima Discovery - Urban Adventures - USD34
• Lima - Night Bites & Sights - Urban Adventures - USD45
• Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs - PEN12
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day
Special Information
Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip
As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 9 days ago in Quito, Ecuador on Galapagos & Peru Adventure (GGSYC)
Urban Adventures Optional activities: If you are interested in any of the Urban Adventures listed you will need to book additional accommodation prior to the tour start date as there won't be any spare time on Day One once the tour has commenced
Please contact Urban Adventures directly
Contact information for Lima can be found here: http://www.urbanadventures.com/contact-us

Days 2-3 - Amazon Jungle
Take an early morning transfer to Lima airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights
The flight should take around three hours, including a 30-45 minute stop in Cuzco (during this stop you will not disembark the plane)
Upon your arrival at around midday, the Lodge staff will take you to their office in town
Upon arrival at the Jungle Lodge office you will be provided with a small duffle bag to pack your personal items required for the duration of your jungle stay
The remainder of your items will be stored securely in the office
From the office, you'll travel by private vehicle to the port, this drive is approximately 45 minutes
You’ll then take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios area (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours)
Lunch today is a packed lunch that you will be given during the boat ride
Once you arrive there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing
The next two days are packed with activities
Your full day in the jungle includes a trek which lasts approximately half a day
At times the paths can get quite muddy and some people can find the trek a little exhausting
Along the way there will be regular stops, and you'll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat
You might spot everything from macaws and monkeys to peccaries, jabirus, otters and thousands of butterflies
The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants
For lunch you will return to the lodge
For your night-time excursion, venture out on a night jungle walk!
Accommodation
• Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Included Activities
• Amazon Jungle - Jungle activities
Meals Included
• Breakfast (2)
• Lunch (2)
• Dinner (2)
Special Information
Amazon Lodge: We stay at two different lodges in the same area
The activities may vary slightly according to which lodge you are at
Depending on which lodge you are staying at, the included night excursion may be on the night of Day 1 or Day 2
As both of our lodges are in the same area of the jungle, you will see the same wildlife and your overall jungle experience will be the same in either lodge
Jungle Walk: On Day 3 there is an 11km Jungle walk
At times the paths can get quite muddy and some people can find the trek a little exhausting, but the adventure is well worth it!
Along the way there will be regular stops and you'll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat

Day 4 - Cuzco
Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco, the true heart and soul of Peru (approximately 35 minutes)
Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3,450 m) and then head out on an orientation walk with your tour leader
You’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square
Finally you’ll visit the Chocolate museum where there will be an opportunity to sample a hot chocolate made from local cacao beans
This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs
There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products
Tonight is free, perhaps head out for dinner your fellow travellers
Your leader will be able to recommend some good places to eat!
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
• Cuzco - Orientation Walk
• Cuzco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 5 - Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo
Head to Ollantaytambo, visiting a local community en route
When you arrive in Ollantaytambo you'll see it's a magnificent example of Incan urban planning
It's one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish
Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas
The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below
Visit Hearts Cafe for a bite to eat – it's part of a project supported by the Intrepid Foundation and the coffee there is excellent
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
• Sacred Valley - Local community visit and lunch
Optional Activities
• Ollantaytambo - Archeological site - PEN70
Meals Included
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6 - Inca Trail / Inca Quarry Trail / Train option
During the next four days, you'll do one of the following, depending on what you've arranged
Route 1 - Hike the Classic Inca Trail
Route 2 - BRETT - Hike the Inca Quarry Trail
Route 3 - Take the train to Aguas Calientes, after staying in Cuzco for two extra days
While away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel
If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cuzco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum)
Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail
Please note that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group
If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cuzco and only travel with the necessary items during the excursion by train
Route 1 - Classic Inca Trail
Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide
The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite (located 3,100 m above sea level)
On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, and catch incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak
In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal
Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep
Each day's journey generally consists of 7 hours of walking (uphill and downhill) with stops for snacks and lunch
Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm
Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights)
Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided
The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals
Route 2 - BRETT - Inca Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon
Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike
After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma
Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break
Continue to the campsite (3,700 m above sea level)
You should reach the campsite around lunchtime
After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas
Notes: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people
The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level
Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment
The first two nights are spent camping, and on the third night you'll stay at a simple hotel
Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided
The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals
Route 3 - Train
After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, leave around 9.30 am and take a short drive to the town of Pisac, which is well known for its market
Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local Empanadas
Arrive back in Cuzco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to the San Pedro Market in order to buy some things for a picnic tomorrow
In the late afternoon, you’ll have an option to visit the Choco Museum and try some exquisite artisanal chocolate that's prepared in-house from cacao beans
Be sure to sample some of the delicious hot chocolate
Notes: The included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Inca Quarry Trail only
Accommodation
• Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
• Trek - 3 Night / 4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night / 3 Day Inca Quarry Trail)
Meals Included
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 7 - Inca Trail / Inca Quarry Trail / Train
Route 1 - Classic Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail
Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 metres above sea level, giving amazing views of the valley below
The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres
Route 2 - BRETT - Inca Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike
A three-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 m high)
After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch
Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 meters
From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain
Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo
Route 3 - Train
Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cuzco
From here you’ll take a short downhill walk (1–3 hours) back to Cuzco
On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites including Puka Pukara, Qinqu Quenqo and Saksaywaman
Arrive back in Cuzco in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to go shopping, or perhaps visit Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops
Your tour leader will be able to give you some suggestions
Notes: The included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Inca Quarry Trail only
Accommodation
• Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8 - Inca Trail / Inca Quarry Trail / Train
Route 1 - Classic Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 m)
Enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (approximately 2–3 hours)
Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 m), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'
Start the descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site (approximately 2 hours)
Route 2 - BRETT - Inca Quarry Trail
Today’s hike is all downhill
The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata Inca Quarry Trail, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish
Around midday, your trek comes to an end
Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes
This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike
Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a recommended way to spend the late afternoon
Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu
Route 3 - Train
After a drive to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours), catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (also approximately 1.5 hours)
The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu
For those who want a sneak peak, there is time to visit Machu Picchu independently before a guided tour the following day (dependent on ticket availability)
Notes: The included lunch on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Inca Quarry trail only
Accommodation
• Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
• Machu Picchu - Entrance and Guided Tour
Meals Included
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 9 - Inca Trail / Inca Quarry Trail / Train ... Machu Picchu
Route 1 - Classic Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu
The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4.30 am
Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am
Walk to Intipunku, aka the Sun Gate (approximately 2.5 hours)
Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu, ‘Lost City of the Incas’, as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with visitors)
Route 2 - BRETT - Inca Quarry Trail
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5.30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes)
At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail
If the skies are clear, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate before going on a guided walk around the ruins
Route 3 - Train
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am
The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer
Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters, and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Cuzco
For all routes: After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cuzco for a well-deserved shower and a Pisco Sour
Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure
Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 10 - Cuzco
Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights
Perhaps rest you weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you will find vegetables, meats, local cheeses (which you should certainly try), local chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts
It’s a great place to purchase some souvenirs
The market is also a place where many locals go to eat ‘mystery soups’
Some may be just chicken; however, the most popular amongst the locals are usually the more unusual ones like frog soups or soups that contain nose to tail of various animals
For those who can't get enough active adventure, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cuzco?
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
• Cuzco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cuzco (Transport & guides are not included) - PEN135
• Cuzco - City tour - USD15
• Cuzco - Half Tourist Ticket Pass, which gives you access to selected archaeological sites in/around Cuzco (transport & guides are not included) - PEN75
• Cuzco - Coricancha Temple entrance fee - PEN15
• Cuzco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN25
• Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265
• Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD35
• Cuzco - Pisco Making - Urban Adventures - USD36
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 11 - Puno
Travel by local bus through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 6 hours)
You'll be at an altitude of 3,820 metres
There will be a couple of stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers
Take in glorious views of the seemingly endless water stretching into the horizon
This place is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve
If you're lucky your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
• Puno - Sillustani archaeological site - USD10
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 12 - Lake Titicaca Homestay
Embark on a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Titinos floating islands
The Titinos originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes
The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake
To get a closer look at daily life in the Lake Titicaca region, you'll be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay with the community
Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or trying to chat in the local language, Quechua
A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends
Notes: Your homestay tonight is a mud brick house
Rooms have beds and many blankets, and there are shared drop-toilets but no showers
Accommodation
• Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
• Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
Meals Included
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 13 - Puno
This morning after breakfast you'll board the boat again and head to Taquile Island (approximately 1 hour)
Here, the tradition of knitting is strictly a male domain, and women do the spinning
It's a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods
An uphill trek (approximately 1 hour) brings you to the main area of the island
After the visit, you will descend about 500 steps back to our boat
Then travel back to Puno by boat (approximately 3 hours)
Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well
Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project:  https://vimeo.com/154422813
Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can donate to this project and your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group
Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo/
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 14 - La Paz
Travel by comfortable local bus to Desaguadero and cross the border into Bolivia
After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office, you'll walk across a bridge to the Bolivian side, submit your passport at the Bolivian migration office, then board the bus again
Head for La Paz, and after 30 minutes or so there's another stop where your documents will be checked by authorities
The journey to La Paz takes about 5 hours (don't forget that Bolivia's timezone is 1–2 hours ahead of Peru!)
When you arrive, you might feel like you're on top of the world at around 3,600 metres above sea level
Discover the colonial architecture and browse the markets – you'll see this town is a interesting mixture of the indigenous and modern
Accommodation
• Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
• La Paz - Tiwanaku Archeological site (Shared service) - USD30
Meals Included
• Breakfast

Day 15 - La Paz
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning
There isn't a huge amount of time included in Bolivia on this itinerary
If you wish to further explore this wonderful country and perhaps head out to Uyuni to see the Salt Flats, then check out the 'Bolivian Salt Flats' Short Break Adventure (GGAU)
The full itinerary can be viewed on our website
Optional Activities
• La Paz - To 3,600 Metres, and Beyond - Urban Adventures - USD41
• La Paz - Food with Altitude - Urban Adventure - USD57
Meals Included
• Breakfast
Special Information
Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip
As such, some of your fellow travellers may be continuing on further into Bolivia today to start the second part of their trip – Explore Peru & Bolivia (GGSUC)

TRIP INCLUSIONS
Meals
14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
Boat, Bus, Canoe, Plane, Private minibus, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (6 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Included Activities
• Lima - Leader-led walking tour
• Amazon Jungle - Jungle activities
• Cuzco - Orientation Walk
• Cuzco - Chocolate Museum Visit and Hot Chocolate
• Sacred Valley - Local community visit and lunch
• Trek - 3 Night / 4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night / 3 Day Inca Quarry Trail)
• Machu Picchu - Entrance and Guided Tour
• Lake Titicaca - Boat tour and Homestay

SACRED LAND OF THE INCAS
CLICK HERE
and this "pdf" file includes the Itinerary as above plus the following details
Overview and Itinerary
Is This Trip Right For You?
Physical Rating
Joining Point
Joining Point Instructions
Alternate Joining Points
Instructions
Problems and Emergency Contact Information
** Itinerary - As Above **
Finishing Point
Itinerary Disclaimer
Feedback
Essential Trip Information As Below
01 - Important Notes
02 - Passport and Visas
03 - Medical and Health Information
04 - Food and Dietary Requirements
05 - Accommodation
06 - Transport
07 - Money Matters
08 - Packing
09 - Group Leader
10 - Safety
11 - A Couple Of Rules
12 - Travelling On A Group Trip
13 - Travel Insurance
14 - Responsible Travel
15 - The Intrepid Foundation

OTHER INFORMATION
in "pdf" file format