traintomapi180

Train to Machu Picchu The Final Destination of the Inca Trail Information about Train to Machu Picchu Built as a "royal estate" for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu is an astounding and perennially mysterious climax to one of the world's most famous journeys: the Inca Trail. Perched high above a sinuous bend in the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu has lured explorers, poets and pilgrims to its mist-wreathed ridgetop ever since its discovery by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in July, 1911. No one lived here before the Incas. Those mighty empire builders from Cusco discovered this extraordinary place, finding it rich in natural features sacred to their religion. Both inspired and humbled by its dramatic natural beauty, their answer was to create on a vast scale one of the planet's most sensitive and harmonious works of art. The aesthetic genius of its layout and architecture coupled with the durability of its brilliant planning and engineering have given us today this finest of jewels among the UNESCO world heritage sites. Scholars still argue about the meaning of Machu Picchu: why it was built and what purpose it served, who lived there and when they departed. Most agree that its main intent was spiritual and ceremonial. But clearly its creator, Pachacuti, intended the journey to his sacred city to be a powerful experience in its own right, a pilgrimage whose effort is stunningly rewarded time and again as one follows its winding way among peaks, forests, deep gorges and fairytale ruins. Perhaps if one is to experience the spirit that inspired the builders of Machu Picchu, one truly must walk the length of Pachacuti's white granite highway -- today's Inca Trail. PRIVATE SERVICE Train to Machu Picchu 5 days and 4 nights This is the short version of the famous and stunning Inca Trail, for those who have less time available, but do not want to miss out on this unique trek. Train to Machu Picchu This hike takes more time to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, leaving more time to appreciate the nature and archaeology along the way. We spend one long fourth day visiting Winaywayna and Machu Picchu, and on the fifth day return to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise from the Sun´s Gate. We encounter valleys that contain wildlife endemic to high deserts or the tropics, between stretches of puna and cloud forest. We encounter mysterious archaeological sites half covered by jungle overgrowth, which look like you are discovering them for the first time. Machu Picchu is one of the world´s greatest cultural treasures, and of these is the most enigmatic. Included: Bus service until km 88, entrance ticket to the Inca trail, professional English and Spanish speaking guide, tents, bath tent, cook tent, carriers, extra porters for your personal items, breakfasts, lunches and dinners (as explained below), complete Machu Picchu's ruins tour, train ticket back to Cusco. ITINERARY Train to Machu Picchu Inca Trail Premium (private service) 5 days 4 nights program: Day 1.- We start our trek escorted by native "quechua" porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba river with magnificent views of snow capped mount Veronica , later going through Llactapata, an ancient Inca citadel that protected the entry to two valleys Day 2.- Today the first part of the trek takes us to the Inca Hamlet of Huayabamba, later going through Warmiwañuska pass (4200 mt), known as "dead woman's pass". (B+L+D) Train to Machu Picchu Day 3.- Walking on a remarkably preserved Inca Trail passing ancient archaeological sites covered by dense jungle overgrowth, later visiting the Phuyupatamarca (city above clouds) with spectacular view of snow covered Andean ranges, camping at Wyñaywayna, probably the most spectacular archaeological complex during the trek. (B+L+D) Day 4.- Passing through the Inti Punku (Gates of the Sun), we arrive to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, then late in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes where we will overnight in the tents or in a Hostel. Day 5.- Early morning rise and after breakfast we will take a bus up to visit Machu Picchu. An optional hike for the more dynamic persons up to Huayna Picchu, the pyramid shape peak that overlooks Machu Picchu. Late in the afternoon we will take the train back to Cusco. walkerperu.net