Etnika's Shamanic Healing Centre - 148 Herrajes Street, Cusco-Peru
Tel/fax: +51 84 244516 | Mobil: +51 84 984109748 | N.B. Please make sure our email is in your address book to avoid loosing our email reply to Junk Mail.
Cusco Peru
email: info@etnikas.com
http://www.etnikas.com/


Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Duration : 2 days
Price : $ 340.00

Introduction

Peru’s best-known trail, the ‘Inca Trail’ is visited by thousands of tourists every year. This still-thrilling two-day program covers 13km of the Inca Trail, joins the classical ‘4-day route’ at the impressive archaeological site of Wińaywayna, and then continues through the famous ‘Inti Punku’ (Sun Gate) finally devoting the second day to the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This trail is perfect for people who are pressed for time and wish to cut out the camping segment of the full Inca Trail.


Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

We pick you up from your hotel at 05:30h to catch the train to the starting point of the hike at km.104 on the Cusco–Machu Picchu railroad. Arriving at 10:00h, we visit the nearby Chachabamba archaeological complex, and then begin the four-hour ascent up the 8km trail to the impressive Wińaywayna archaeological complex comprising an agricultural sector with numerous terraces, a religious centre and an urban centre.

On the way up, we will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex on the opposite side of the river, and a beautiful waterfall minutes away from Wińaywayna. Leaving Wińaywayna, an hour’s trek along a trail of flat stones on the edges of the highland jungle cliffs brings us to ‘Intipunku’ (Sun Gate). Along this trek, you will get your first glimpse of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu and then travel by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will be accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.

  • Meals: L (box-lunch), D
  • Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles)
  • Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
  • Altitude at starting point: Chachabamba 2150m (7052 ft)
  • Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
  • Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)



Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

We rise early and take the bus back to Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. You then have some free time to explore on your own. You can climb the nearby Huaynapicchu Mountain, take in the spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains and visit the Temple of the Moon, or take the forty minute round hike to visit the precipitous Inca drawbridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where you can bathe in the hot springs.
We then take the train back to Cusco, arriving after nightfall.

  • Meals: B
(*) Departure and arrival times are approximated. The duration of hikes is based on average hikers. You may take longer or hike more quickly depending on your personal hiking speed.
Degree of difficulty – Moderate

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
  • Students: Peruvian Soles s/122.00 (students require a valid
  • International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
  • Teenagers: Peruvian Soles s/122.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)



Optional services to be hired
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu: please let us know if you wish us to make the hotel booking for you and, in this case, your requested hotel category and accommodation, and the number of nights you wish us to book. Our Reservation Department will provide you with a list of our selected hotels, services and prices for you to choose from. Our hotel choice is based on previous client reports and is regularly updated.
  • A porter to carry your luggage along the hike: US$ 100.00. Maximum weight allowance per porter: 20 kg 
  • A porter to carry your luggage from your hotel in Cusco to your hotel in Aguas Calientes: US$ 60.00. This service means the porter will not hike together with you but just transport your bags/suitcases safely from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Maximum weight allowance per porter: 20 kg 
  • Massage sessions: US$60.00 per 1-hour session (US$50.00 per session if at least 2 sessions are booked). Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco and offer the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after your trekking program. Services are at the hotel and are only available in Cusco.

Appropriate clothing along the Inca trail
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by a sweater or fleece and waterproof jackets if cloudy or rainy. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in Aguas Calientes and Machupicchu, although the temperature is usually warmer than in Cusco due to the lower altitude. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

Climate
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC if cloudy or rainy. At Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

How to make a Booking
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website by clicking here  or Please contact us; info@etnikas.com

  1. Once you have chosen your tour, please read the Booking Terms & Conditions, as your booking is subject to these terms.
  2. Then fill out and submit the Reservation Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website. 
  3. In a maximum of two working days, you will receive an email from one of our travel consultants confirming or denying your booking. 
  4. In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to secure your reservation. 
  5. Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Service Confirmation Form will be sent to you including all the details of your program.

In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please contact us to info@etnikas.com , we will be very glad to assist you. Your request will be answered by return mail within a maximum of 2 working days.



Booking Terms & Conditions

1. THE CONTRACT
Please note that it is essential to read and understand the following terms and conditions, it is a contract between you and ETNIKAS Travel & Crafts SRL. When you make your booking and pay your deposit you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms and conditions. In addition, please ensure you have read and understood the itinerary and the style of travel in which you will be partaking.
These are the terms and conditions governing the relationship between ETNIKAS Travel and Crafts SRL, hereinafter referred to as “ETNIKAS” or “The company” and you, hereinafter referred to as “The client”.

2. PROGRAM AND SERVICE PRICES:
All prices are listed in US dollars and include all taxes for non-residents of Peru.
All air and bus fares are subject to change and availability and will be confirmed on the date that the reservation is made.
All prices for Group Departures are based on shared double-occupancy basis. If you are a single traveller you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender or can pay a single supplement.
All payments made by credit card are subject to an additional fee.

3. BOOKINGS AND DEPOSITS:
A. ETNIKAS Shamanic Centre and Retreats
At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of at least 50% of the service price per person is due. The balance remaining will be paid upon arrival in Cusco.
B. Tours by train to Machu Picchu
At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the service price per person is due. The balance remaining must be paid at least 30 days prior to the start of the contracted services.
C. Treks and Group Departures
At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of USD 250 per person per tour is due. The balance remaining must be paid at least 60 days prior to the start of the contracted services. To request services within 30 days of start date, payment must be made in full and will be refunded in the event that the tour cannot be guaranteed.
D. Independent Tours
All services within a tour package or tour are considered guaranteed once the tour has been confirmed. The tour will only be confirmed upon receipt of the USD 250 non-refundable deposit. The confirmation of your reservation will be sent by email with the reservation code of each tour program requested. Full payment of these services must be made at least 60 days prior to service start date.
E. Accommodation
All accommodation requested will be confirmed once the total amount of the services has been paid. Upon confirmation an email will be sent by email with the hotel reservation code. To check-in the client must only show their passport at the hotel and provide the hotel reception with the reservation code and voucher. Breakfast and/or transfers will only be included if specified in the confirmation.
F. Air, Bus or Train Tickets
(i) All transport services requested will be confirmed once the total amount for the services has been paid.
-Flight tickets are e-tickets and the client does not require a printed ticket nor invoice to check in. It is only necessary to show your passport upon check-in at the airline counter and to give the reservation code that will have been provided to you by ETNIKAS in a confirmation email.
-Fares quoted to you will only be valid for the amount of time specified in ETNIKAS response to your request as airlines may raise or lower their prices depending upon the availability of the fare. Once tickets have been issued they may not be reassigned to a different passenger or transport company.
(ii) AIR OR LAND TRANSPORTATION:
IATA airlines or transport companies hold no responsibility for any damages to passengers when they are not on board the plane, train or bus.
When tour packages include a promotional air or land fare and the client requests a change of date the change will be subject to a penalty.
DOCUMENTS – The client must always carry a passport or travel document depending on their nationality. This is the law in Peru.

4. CANCELLATION OF SERVICES BY THE CLIENT
A. ETNIKAS Shamanic Centre and Tours by train to Machu Picchu
-All cancellations made prior to 30 days before the start of services will incur a USD 250 service fee or the amount of the deposit if less.
-All cancellations made within 30 days prior to the departure will result in the loss of all monies paid.
B. Treks, Group Departures and Independent Tours -Cancellations made before 60 days prior to the start of the services are subject to the loss of deposit.
-Cancellations made within 30 to 59 days prior to the start of the services are subject to a penalty of 50% of the cost of the service.
-Cancellations made within 29 days prior to the start of the services are subject to the full loss of all monies paid.
C. Accommodation
-Cancellations for accommodation made more than 30 days prior to arrival will be subject to a penalty of USD 35 for administrative fees.
-Cancellations for accommodation made between 16 and 29 days prior to arrival will be subject to a penalty for the value of the first night of accommodation and a USD 35 administrative fee.
-Cancellations within 15 days will result in the full loss of all monies paid.
D. Transport Tickets
(i) FLIGHT TICKETS– All flight tickets are non-refundable and no changes are permitted to the itinerary or passenger name.
(ii) BUS TICKETS – All bus tickets are non-refundable. Changes to the date of travel are possible if requested more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the bus. Within 24 hours no changes are possible.
(iii) TRAIN TICKETS – All train tickets are non-refundable. Changes to the date of travel are possible if requested 11 or more days prior to the scheduled departure of the train. Within 10 days prior to the service no changes are possible.

5. CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY
ETNIKAS reserves the right to cancel any Group Departure before it is guaranteed to run, but will cancel a trip no less than 60 days prior to the departure except for the following reasons:
-“Force majeure”
-Unforeseen circumstances beyond the company's control.
-The minimum requirement of clients per trip has not been met. ETNIKAS will inform the client as soon as possible of a cancellation. Clients holding a fully paid booking may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. The company is not responsible for any incidental expenses that the client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked then you are entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the alternative tour chosen is of a higher value then the client will pay the difference in price.
Please note that refunds will not be given for the following:
-Lost travel time or substitution of facilities.
-Presence of circumstances beyond company’s control which requires alternative arrangements be made to ensure the safety and enjoyment of your tour.
-Unused services for any accommodation, activity or tour segment without prior notice.
-Premature contract termination.

6. UNUSED SERVICES
If for any reason the transportation chosen by the client (bus, flight, train, etc...) does not arrive at the destination prior to or on the date and time scheduled to begin the services contracted from the company, ETNIKAS shall not be held liable for any missed services that result. The company will begin to provide services from the date of arrival of the client until the originally scheduled termination of the services. Any services missed as a result of these delays are not refundable. If the client leaves the tour early including not using additional nights of accommodation for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, no monies will be refunded.

7. PRICES AND SURCHARGES
As we publish our prices well in advance, we may occasionally be faced with significant cost increases due to factors over which we have no control. As such we reserve the right to impose surcharges (or price decreases) up to one month before departure due to significant changes in exchange rates, increases in entrance fees, train fares or other transport costs, taxes, if government action should require us to do so or others. Any surcharge or price decrease will be fully explained and justified by ETNIKAS before implementation. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the program cost the client may cancel the booking and obtain a full refund less expenses already incurred, provided the cancellation is made with at least one month prior to departure date.
8. INCLUDED MEAL
In all flights and land transportation, meals and snacks are given to passengers according to the transport company.
Some tour programs include the meals specified in the itinerary, these are described as: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner
All other meals are the responsibility of the client.

9. FLEXIBILITY
The client appreciates and acknowledges that the nature of travel to developing countries requires considerable flexibility and should allow for alternatives. It is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include sickness or mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, climate and other unpredictable circumstances. If hotels need to be changed they will be replaced by hotels of similar standard.

10. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY’S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE)
The company will do its best to minimize the effects of matters outside its control, but cannot accept any liability for these matters which include political disputes, border closures, refusals of visas, industrial action, delayed flights, unforeseeable climate, landslides, etc. The client accepts to assume all extra costs derived by any of these factors.

11. AUTHORITY ON TOUR
At all times the decision of the company’s tour leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety and well being of the tour. By booking with us the client agrees to abide by the authority of the tour leader or company representative, who represents the company. If the client chooses not to abide by the decisions made by the ETNIKAS representative, the client will be considered as having left the tour. The client must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. If the Client is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise that might affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour, the client must advise ETNIKAS at the time of booking. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on the tour or, if in the opinion of the tour leader or representative the client’s behaviour is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to other we may terminate that client’s travel arrangements without any liability on the company’s part and the client will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements.

12. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
Some of ETNIKAS itineraries have been designed to provide participants with an exposure to the true nature of the environment visited. They therefore involve an element of personal risk and exposure to potential, which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to the client, his/her property or to third parties. The client understands that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity and therefore assumes them as part of the tour. The client accepts that he/she is aware of his physical and health condition and that, under the knowledge of this he/she decides to undertake the above-mentioned risks. The client excludes ETNIKAS from any responsibility linked to any accident or injury that may occur associated to the clients' health, physical condition or other.

13. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
The client must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas required for the whole of the journey and the client accepts responsibility for obtaining the same. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

14. INSURANCE
It is mandatory that all clients obtain travel insurance that covers personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses. Clients must be able to provide proof of insurance to the company representative. It is strongly recommended that the client’s insurance also cover cancellation and interruption, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the client. The company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a vessel, train, bus or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. The company cannot accept responsibility for an in no event shall be liable for loss for damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by the company such as hotels, home-stays, vessels or any other mode of transportation.

15. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS
If a client complaint arises while on tour, the client must first advise the local representative or tour leader so that the company can endeavour to resolve the situation on the ground. If the client is not satisfied with the resolution offered by the company representative the client should then contact ETNIKAS with any complaints. If by the end of the tour the client is still unsatisfied with the service provided they should send their comments in writing to ETNIKAS at sales@ETNIKAS.com.

16. RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR TOUR
All services herein are organized by ETNIKAS. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of customers are made by organizers on the sole condition that the organizers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage or irregularity which may be occasioned through acts of any company and/or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements. ETNIKAS acts as an agent for transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle or any other form of conveying a traveller, acts of God, detention, delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strike, riots, theft, force majeure, civil disturbance, government restriction or regulation, accident by aircraft, boat, bicycle, motor vehicle, horseback or any other form of transport or in any hotel or guest house, pension or other form of accommodation. The client acknowledges that the quality of the products organized by the company including accommodations and all other services related to the tour which are organized by the company are not within the control of the company and that in any event the quality of such products may be compromised by local conditions.
Accordingly, the client hereby releases the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages, loss of enjoyment, inconvenience or injuries related to the quality of such products. The information contained in all ETNIKAS’ documentation in brochures, on the website or in flyers is correct to the best of the company’s knowledge and has been put together in good faith. The company accepts no liability for any right to alter any itinerary in progress or service at any time without penalty to the company. Any additional expenses or cancellation shall be borne by the customer. The organizer reserves the right to withdraw or refuse any service to any customer at the discretion of the organizer. Payment of deposit is taken as acknowledgement and agreement of the above items.

17. APPLICABLE LAW AND CHOICE OF FORUM
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Peru. Each party hereto agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Peru at Cusco, Peru in regards to any action or proceeding relating to this agreement.



Inca trail Important Notice

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.


Therefore:
ETNIKAS TRAVEL Tour Operator will guarantee the spaces booked provided that:
  • The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
  • The full passenger data has been provided and the required deposit has been made.

Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend making your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible. Otherwise, we also offer alternative routes of equally impressive beauty and interest to offer to you.




Very Important

The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:

  • Complete names and surnames
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Date of Birth and age at time of hiking
  • Gender

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date.

Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at ETNIKAS TRAVEL AND HEALING via email as soon as possible. If possible a change will be made to the existing reservation for the cost of USD 25 however, the government reserves the right not to allow entry to any visitor whose information is not an exact match with that of the official permit.

ETNIKAS TRAVEL AND HEALING will not be held responsible for a denial of entry in the event that the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us or that the National Institute of Culture denies entry for any other reason.




What is Included?
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station
  • Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
  • English-speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
  • Meals as indicated. Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen canister
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu archaeological site down to the Town of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
  • Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
  • Train ticket from Poroy / Sacred Valley to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Sacred Valley / Poroy in Backpacker train, (Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
  • Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco on Day 2

(*) If requesting the Hiram Bingham luxury train service, please note that only the return trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy / Cusco would be operated with the Hiram Bingham train, as the portion Cusco – km.104 would be operated with the Vistadome service, due to the Hiram Bingham schedule making it impossible to operate it with this train.

For guests travelling the Backpacker or Vistadome services, please note that should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Cusco – km.104 and / or Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Sacred Valley – km.104 and / or Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley will be provided, with additional private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the Sacred Valley and / or vice versa.




What is not included?
  • Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall and it is therefore recommended that you eat before boarding the train or that you bring snacks with you for the train ride.

  • Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: A great way to relax your muscles after the trek, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes

  • Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish



What we recommend that you bring?
  • A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
  • Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
  • Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
  • Sport sandals or trainers to wear in the evenings
  • Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
  • Moist towelettes / Wet Wipes and/or Hand Sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable water bottle (Nalgene type) and water
  • Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Cash in soles and/or US$
  • Original passport
  • Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
  • Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)