Peru Incan Trek & Service Trip

Program Fee includes:

  • Accommodations, including double occupancy tents on trek
  • Ground transportation incluing airport pick-up and transfers
  • Local English/Spanish speaking travel guide
  • Most meals, as indicated on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all sites, museums, and tours listed
  • Orientation, supplies, & donation of volunteer project
  • Camping equipment & meals during trek
  • Round-trip international* & domestic flights

Itinerary

Tour Operator
Cultural Embrace
Duration
12 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Difficulty Level
Difficulty Level - Moderate
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Depart Home/Lima, PeruArrival to Lima. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Lima, Peru.
Day 2Cusco/LimatamboMorning flight to Cusco, then transfer to Limatambo. Orientation of volunteer project. (BLD)
Day 3LimatamboMorning service project cultivating land & planting seeds. Afternoon volleyball & soccer games with local children. Family style cooking traditional Peruvian dishes. Evening Peruvian movie and overnight at volunteer site. (BLD)
Day 4LimatamboMorning service project cultivating land & planting seeds. Afternoon in Cusco. Evening reflection and overnight at volunteer site. (BLD)
Day 5LimatamboMorning service project, cultivating land & planting seeds. Afternoon learning typical dance & Quena traditional music. Family style dinner and overnight at volunteer site. (BLD)
Day 6LimatamboMorning service project, cultivating land & planting seeds. Afternoon Treque day (party). Family style dinner and overnight at volunteer site.(BLD)
Day 7Limatambo/Inca TrailWe will leave from Limatambo early in the morning and take a scenic drive of ~6 hours to the small village, Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River. Here, we will meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek. We begin our gentle hike into the green river valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Huamantay (5917 m.). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salcantay peak (6270m. and the highest in the Vilcabamba range) dominates our skyline. Morning snack. Salkantay to Machupicchu.(BLD)
Day 8Inca TrailFollowing a series of switchbacks (Siete Culebras) our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out beneath the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salcantay. With Salcantay looming above, we come to a summit marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods. From this high pass (4750m.) flanked by Salcantay and Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night at Chaullay. (BLD snacks)
Day 9Inca TrailOur trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is warmer and we see a variety of orchids, flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa. Continuing through the Ceja de Selva, or Eyebrow of the Jungle, we encounter bright flowers, butterflies, parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, cocoa, and coffee. At the small village of Playa, we set up camp for the night. (BLD snacks)
Day 10Inca TrailToday we continue through sub-tropical vegetation to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail remains. A gradual uphill climb brings us to Llactapata (2700m.), from where we enjoy a brilliant backside view of Machu Picchu and vistas of the surrounding peaks. (BLD)
Day 11Inca TrailWe take the early bus up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu for a tour of these mysterious remains. Then we have time to explore on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. Dinner in Cusco at La Retama restaurant (buffet service with show). Accommodation at Munay Wasi Inn in Cusco 3*.
Day 12Cusco-LimaBreakfast at hotel and then transfer hotel Cusco-airport & transfer airport Lima-hotel Afternoon 02pm City tour Lima in private service (3hours ½ including : modern Lima, colonial Lima, San Francisco Monastery and catacombs) afterwards dinner at Vivaldino restaurant (Larcomar Miraflores). Transfer to the airport Lima for return flight home. (BL)
Dining
Total meals - 31
Breakfasts - 11
Lunches - 10
Dinners - 10
Disclaimer
*Fee may change depending on gateway city