Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

• Starting Altitude – 2,170 m / 7,170 ft
• Highest Altitude – 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
• Walking Distance – 13 km / 8 miles

Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and then drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about three hours. Km 104 is an unscheduled train stop so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train is stopping especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! At Km 104 we will get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint where we will see our first archaeological center called Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft). These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center, and features several buildings. Then, we will gradually ascend for about 2-3 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail. We will then pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site called Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young in Quechua. We will climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley. This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. We will visit an important temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today. Once we finish our tour here, we will continue our hike for about 1 ½ hours on a part of the Inca Trail which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. At about 3:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) which is called Intipunku in Quechua. This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu and from there we will head down to the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner. Dinner will be at the restaurant. • Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner • Accommodations: Hotel • Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft • Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft • Distance to walk: 15 km / 9 miles • Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

You will have breakfast at your hotel and then we will take a very early bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site. You have MachuPicchu mountain to climb you will begin the hike at 9 AM. If you are not climbing the mountain you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Poroy/Ollantaytambo. From Poroy/Ollantaytambo you will travel by van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket. • Meals: Breakfast • Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft • Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

The Trip Cost Includes

• • Professional English speaking guide. Additional guide for groups over 8 people
• • Pre trek briefing
• • Transportation from your hotel to Ollantaytambo
• • Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1. Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2.
• • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• • Transport by private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• • Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
• • One night accommodation in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupation)
• • 1 Box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
• • Private guided tour at Machu Picchu
• • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• • Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 2
• • Tip for your guide

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.