Photos Of the Inca Trail

 

Recommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route (2d/Camino inca inca trail 4d) / Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Machupichu

Inca Trail – Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is about helping to share some of the benefits of tourism with local people, without causing negative effects on the environment or culture.
Local people can benefit from tourism by receiving increased revenue, if managed correctly, can be used to improve the quality of education, improving diet and access to medical treatment. But all tourism often leads to the richest members of the community’s richest hotel owners, ie owners, travel agencies and shops owners, while the poorest people are still oppressed and exploited and struggle to get their foot on the ladder to improve your situation.
Responsible travelers can help people in many of the poorest communities in the mountains of Peru, following some of the guidelines for low impact, culturally sensitive and environmentally friendly travel.
1. Learn about the country they are visiting
Start enjoying your trip before leaving, using as many sources as possible.
To get the most out of a trip, find lots of information – not just the obvious sources such as travel guides. Try reading some classic and contemporary literature of the country. The Internet is a fantastic resource.
Try to verify the behavior and dress codes that are expected of you. Visit the places of worship, markets, or rural communities, as if you forgot to get dressed in the morning is probably not a good idea! Swimwear and revealing shorts and T-shirts are often only appropriate at the beach.
One of the main impacts of travel and vacation destination have economical, can be a vital source of income for many. If you want to make sure you bring some economic benefit, find out if any local community or run / owned businesses for use in the places you are visiting.
Learn some Spanish phrases before you travel. Incluso mejor tomar un curso de lengua corta. Some basic words go a long way to improve the quality of their interaction with local people. You’ll be surprised how hard it is to get in Peru for the use of English in peace!
2. THE COST OF YOUR HOLIDAY
Think about where your money goes – to be fair and realistic about how to travel cheap.
Think about where your money goes – it’s easy to forget the consequences when you’re on a budget trying to save every penny. Competing for the cheapest price and not wanting to get ripped off is common, but some passengers understand how to go very far and are too suspicious or aggressive. By all means bargain (often it is expected that after all), but not going over the top – smile and pay a fair price. A small difference, say U.S. $ 0.5, could mean that the person you are buying can feed his family that day. It really does not hurt to be fair and realistic, in fact, can be very rewarding.
Try to put money into local businesses. For example, drink local beer or fruit juice rather than imported brands – which are probably cheaper and as good if not better. Thinking about where your money goes also includes use of local and locally owned accommodation. Walks, guided tours to educate the locals and benefit them. If possible, support community projects.
3. Minimize the environmental impact
Think about what happens to your rubbish – take biodegradable products and a bottle of water filter. Be sensitive to limited resources such as water, fuel and electricity.
Help preserve wildlife and local habitats within the rules and regulations, such as sticking to the trails, do not buy products made from plants or animals in danger of extinction.
Exploring rainforests, mountain trekking, passing through remote desert regions, – all these are things that dreams are made of travelers. But if everyone who visited these settings did not work on how to limit their environmental impact, the damage would soon follow.
Recycling is extremely limited in Peru. Choosing drinks in glass bottles as these tend to be re-used.
Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos while camping, but not directly used in water since it does not decompose.
The batteries are one of the most damaging to leave behind.
4. PHOTO
Do not treat people as part of the landscape, may not want their picture taken. Step into the shoes, ask first and respect their wishes.
Most travelers want pictures to remember their travels, but there are times that the picture may offend and disturb. So how to get the shots of his life without offending people who are visiting? Consider the feelings of local people and, if inappropriate, take it.
You may find that sometimes people will ask for payment of the photograph to be taken. This can have many consequences, it should have in mind. You may think that the payment of photos is a way to put money into local hands, but it can encourage begging, especially among children. However, it is evident that the locals have dressed in traditional clothes only to have their photos taken, negotiate a price before taking a picture. In colors as markets in the Sacred Valley Pisac, may be more appropriate to buy something at the store owner, like fruit or vegetables instead of paying for taking a picture.
Often the best way you can take photos is to offer to mail a copy. Many local residents will be thrilled to receive a picture of themselves.

Avoid giving sweets to children for photographs, again encourages begging and be bad for teeth.
Flash photography can damage works of art – first, check if it is good or use a fast film.

Recommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route (2d/Camino inca inca trail 4d) / Inca Trail Map / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

Map of the, Inca Trail 4 Days- 3 Nights

 

Day 1. Cusco - Km 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA

Very early, between 4:30 y 5:00 AM , the traveler is picked up from his lodgings and taken by Private Bus to Piscacucho, in the village of Chilca . The road goes through the Inca Sacred Valley , and the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. If you so wish you can have breakfast in Urubamba .The walk starts and one should take it easy in the beginning. After a few minutes we reach and cross the hanging bridge of Cusichaca , on the Urubamba River , built with steel cables. We turn left after the bridge and after crossing a forest of eucalyptus we reach the Llactapata archaeological site. Llactapata, “village in the highland”, is an archaeological site at the foot of a mountain situated on the left bank of the Cusichaca River , a tributary of the Urubamba River . It has many cultivation terraces that probably served to feed people from other places and also keep full the “Ambos” (storehouses) of the Inca Road . Its urban sector holds more than one hundred dwellings. It also has an Inca altar called “Pulpituyoq”.We will camp out at Huayllabamba; Huayllabamba , “Green field”, is a small indigenous village located in the foothills of a small mountain and surrounded by fields of corn, potatoes and other foodstuffs. Many groups camp out the first night in this place, because there are public toilet facilities and plenty of water. Close by, in an area called Patawasi, there are Inca terraces and some ancient Inca buildings. The first day can be cloudy, almost rainy, but easy to walk because of the level and beautiful trail. The normal fatigue felt after a day on the trail slowly dissipates as the traveler rests and smells the perfume of an orchid, while darkness slowly creeps up the majestic peak of the Salkantay in the distance. Time on the trail: Three and a half hours to the first camping site at Huayllabamba.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU

This is the most difficult part of the trek. You climb abruptly upwards until you reach the Warmihuañusca Pass (It means “Where the woman dies” in a literal translation from the Quechua.) at an altitude of 4200 meters. It is a hard and tedious ascension on a pronounced vertical slope until you reach the pass. Along the climb you will appreciate the changing ecology, as you leave the reasonably mild valley behind and reach the treeless pastures in the cold high parts.The high mountain grass “ichu”, can be found at the highest parts of these pastures. Before reaching the pass there is a camping site called “Llullupampa” , which is to be found on a small flat plain surrounded by two crystal clear streams. It also has a public toilet. It is a good place for the traveler to stop over for a rest before climbing up the last part to the Warmihuañusca pass. This part of the trail was known as the smugglers route during the XVIII y XIX centuries and is the only point along the way where you could really become altitude sick. Normally there are strong winds and low temperatures up here.Once across the pass, we will need an additional rest to recover before we start down towards the Pacasmayo River valley, where we will reach the campsite with public toilet facilities and a small waterfall. If during the first day the trail was barely perceptible, since it has almost disappeared due to the effect of the many earthquakes in the area, the part we cross on the second day is well defined, almost like a stone-inlaid street. There are also very steep staircases, ones of which steps are almost vertical putting a heavy strain on everybody’s unprepared knees. Time on the trail: Six to seven hours until the second campsite in Pacaymayu.

3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYHUAYNA

It is considered the longest part of the trail. Although the differences in height are not big, it is a long hike. A second pass must be overcome where one can find the impressive archaeological remnants of Runkuracay , situated at 3800 m.a.s.l. (Approximately 12467 ft.) Runkurakay takes it name from its half circle shape with a single entrance way with seven door-holes leading off into seven different rooms. The semicircular shape allows for shelter from the strong winds in the area.Then we descend towards the Yanacocha lake (the Black Lake) arriving in Sayaqmarca, “the Dominant village”, an interesting Inca ruin on the top of steep mountain, with a panoramic view over the Acobamba valley and the snow clad Pumasillo peak. It is in the shape of a maze of very narrow streets, some which lead off to other places, others that are dead ends. The only way to access these buildings is through a steep but solid staircase of stone on the cliff side. The chasm on one side is filled with exotic plants such as orchids and lichens. It is like being inside a real living picture postcard. A memory to cherish forever.During the walk you will pass by Conchamarka, a recently discovered small archaeological site and the Chakicocha camp, a spacious open area with public toilet facilities and water. After this, we continue uphill and we will come to the first tunnel along the trail. It is about 20 meters (approximately 60 ft) long, downwards sloping with steps hewn out of the living rock. After, we continue uphill until we reach the third and last pass along the trail with the citadel of Phuyupatamarca, “Village above the clouds” , which is undoubtedly one of the most original citadels along the Inca Trail. It is surrounded by the Cloud Forest. It is located on the edge of a gulch that overlooks the Urubamba . Here you will find many cultivation terraces and ceremonial fountains with fresh water. In the upper part there is a small square, where on sunny days one can appreciate the beauty of the Urubamba and the nearby snow-clad peaks. In the lower part there are circular constructions that look like they were following the gradient of the terrain. Close to the Phuyupatamarca pass the road starts winding downwards on circling snail shell like massive stone gradients until it reaches a second tunnel. After that the road goes along relatively plane cornices that follow the Urubamba River , until we reach Wiñayhuayna. Wiñayhuayna , “for ever young”, is found at an altitude of de 2644 m.a.s.l. (Approximately 8675 ft) and the name is derived from the typical orchids that can be found all year round with their red, yellow and violet flowers. This is possibly the most attractive of all the citadels along the Inca Trail, and the last urban centre before reaching Machu Picchu . It was built on the steep mountain slopes on the left bank of the Urubamba . It is divided into four principal parts: the living quarters, in the lower part with more than 20 buildings, the area holding the Ritual fountains, the area with cultivation terraces and the Tower area. This last holds the best architecture of the whole complex, thus being assumed to have served religious purposes or belonged to the Inca Royalty. We camps out in Wiñayhuayna . Time on the Trail: Seven hours until reaching the last camp at Wiñayhuayna.

DIA 4. WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

It is important to set aside sufficient time to visit the archaeological sites and their surroundings. It would a pity if the travelers, worrying about reaching Machu Picchu in a hurry, do not stop over long enough to get to know the awesome archaeological sites along the way. The landscape has now changed from the typical Andean to the typical Amazonian.The Incas always built their fortresses from which they could see without being seen, from where they could attack but not be attacked. The mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu , hidden away on a mountaintop on the edge of the tropical cloud forest region was thus a very difficult place to find. this last part, the traveler can see how the Urubamba river, finding its way down from the high Andes to the deep Rainforest, meanders its way past hundreds of meters tall freestanding cliffs all covered by luxuriant vegetation.The trail continues along the side of a massif hanging over a wide chasm with green slopes that come down to the noisy and foaming rapids of the Urubamba River , thousands of meters further down. Each turn of the road reveals a different species of plant life or wildlife and beyond them, a new perspective of the impressive surrounding landscape. After three hours walk, the traveler suddenly finds himself at Intipunku, or the sun gate. A small complex of small buildings that apparently seem to have been used as a control and outlook post. It is an excellent photo opportunity for panorama shots of all of Machu Picchu. If the traveler has started out very early, he (or she) will arrive just at dawn. This is maybe the best place and moment to contemplate the majestic grandeur of Machu Picchu , the Lost City of the Incas. You will return to the city of Cusco in a Bus and then by train. The van will take you downhill from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes , and once there you take the train that will take you back to Cusco and your comfortable hotel in only six hours. Time on the Trail: Three hours until Machu Picchu , which we reach approximately at seven in the morning.

Our service includes:

• Pickup from the hotel • Private bus to km 82 • Bilingual and Professional tour guide • Entrance ticket to Inca trail and Machupicchu • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 3 dinners • Snacks: every day • Cook • Porters to carry the camping equipment • Dinning tend, chairs, table. • Four tends (two people) • Mattress • First aid box • Oxygen balloon • Backpacker train ticket • Pick station to hotel in Cusco

Not included

• Last lunch in aguas calientes town • Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas calientes • Sleeping bags

Student Price with Isic Student Card : US$ 300

Not Student Price : US$ 330www.incapoint.comRecommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route (Inca trail 2d/inca trail 4d) / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

Inca trail 4 Days-3 Nights

Inca Trail 4 Days/3 Nights

Day 1. Cusco - Km 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA

Very early, between 4:30 y 5:00 AM , the traveler is picked up from his lodgings and taken by Private Bus to Piscacucho, in the village of Chilca . The road goes through the Inca Sacred Valley , and the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. If you so wish you can have breakfast in Urubamba .The walk starts and one should take it easy in the beginning. After a few minutes we reach and cross the hanging bridge of Cusichaca , on the Urubamba River , built with steel cables. We turn left after the bridge and after crossing a forest of eucalyptus we reach the Llactapata archaeological site. Llactapata, “village in the highland”, is an archaeological site at the foot of a mountain situated on the left bank of the Cusichaca River , a tributary of the Urubamba River . It has many cultivation terraces that probably served to feed people from other places and also keep full the “Ambos” (storehouses) of the Inca Road . Its urban sector holds more than one hundred dwellings. It also has an Inca altar called “Pulpituyoq”. We will camp out at Huayllabamba; Huayllabamba , “Green field”, is a small indigenous village located in the foothills of a small mountain and surrounded by fields of corn, potatoes and other foodstuffs. Many groups camp out the first night in this place, because there are public toilet facilities and plenty of water. Close by, in an area called Patawasi, there are Inca terraces and some ancient Inca buildings. The first day can be cloudy, almost rainy, but easy to walk because of the level and beautiful trail. The normal fatigue felt after a day on the trail slowly dissipates as the traveler rests and smells the perfume of an orchid, while darkness slowly creeps up the majestic peak of the Salkantay in the distance. Time on the trail: Three and a half hours to the first camping site at Huayllabamba.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU

This is the most difficult part of the trek. You climb abruptly upwards until you reach the Warmihuañusca Pass (It means “Where the woman dies” in a literal translation from the Quechua.) at an altitude of 4200 meters. It is a hard and tedious ascension on a pronounced vertical slope until you reach the pass. Along the climb you will appreciate the changing ecology, as you leave the reasonably mild valley behind and reach the treeless pastures in the cold high parts.The high mountain grass “ichu”, can be found at the highest parts of these pastures. Before reaching the pass there is a camping site called “Llullupampa” , which is to be found on a small flat plain surrounded by two crystal clear streams. It also has a public toilet. It is a good place for the traveler to stop over for a rest before climbing up the last part to the Warmihuañusca pass. This part of the trail was known as the smugglers route during the XVIII y XIX centuries and is the only point along the way where you could really become altitude sick. Normally there are strong winds and low temperatures up here. Once across the pass, we will need an additional rest to recover before we start down towards the Pacasmayo River valley, where we will reach the campsite with public toilet facilities and a small waterfall. If during the first day the trail was barely perceptible, since it has almost disappeared due to the effect of the many earthquakes in the area, the part we cross on the second day is well defined, almost like a stone-inlaid street. There are also very steep staircases, ones of which steps are almost vertical putting a heavy strain on everybody’s unprepared knees. Time on the trail: Six to seven hours until the second campsite in Pacaymayu.

3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYHUAYNA

It is considered the longest part of the trail. Although the differences in height are not big, it is a long hike. A second pass must be overcome where one can find the impressive archaeological remnants of Runkuracay , situated at 3800 m.a.s.l. (Approximately 12467 ft.) Runkurakay takes it name from its half circle shape with a single entrance way with seven door-holes leading off into seven different rooms. The semicircular shape allows for shelter from the strong winds in the area.Then we descend towards the Yanacocha lake (the Black Lake) arriving in Sayaqmarca, “the Dominant village”, an interesting Inca ruin on the top of steep mountain, with a panoramic view over the Acobamba valley and the snow clad Pumasillo peak. It is in the shape of a maze of very narrow streets, some which lead off to other places, others that are dead ends. The only way to access these buildings is through a steep but solid staircase of stone on the cliff side. The chasm on one side is filled with exotic plants such as orchids and lichens. It is like being inside a real living picture postcard. A memory to cherish forever. During the walk you will pass by Conchamarka, a recently discovered small archaeological site and the Chakicocha camp, a spacious open area with public toilet facilities and water. After this, we continue uphill and we will come to the first tunnel along the trail. It is about 20 meters (approximately 60 ft) long, downwards sloping with steps hewn out of the living rock. After, we continue uphill until we reach the third and last pass along the trail with the citadel of Phuyupatamarca, “Village above the clouds” , which is undoubtedly one of the most original citadels along the Inca Trail. It is surrounded by the Cloud Forest. It is located on the edge of a gulch that overlooks the Urubamba . Here you will find many cultivation terraces and ceremonial fountains with fresh water. In the upper part there is a small square, where on sunny days one can appreciate the beauty of the Urubamba and the nearby snow-clad peaks. In the lower part there are circular constructions that look like they were following the gradient of the terrain. Close to the Phuyupatamarca pass the road starts winding downwards on circling snail shell like massive stone gradients until it reaches a second tunnel. After that the road goes along relatively plane cornices that follow the Urubamba River , until we reach Wiñayhuayna. Wiñayhuayna , “for ever young”, is found at an altitude of de 2644 m.a.s.l. (Approximately 8675 ft) and the name is derived from the typical orchids that can be found all year round with their red, yellow and violet flowers. This is possibly the most attractive of all the citadels along the Inca Trail, and the last urban centre before reaching Machu Picchu . It was built on the steep mountain slopes on the left bank of the Urubamba . It is divided into four principal parts: the living quarters, in the lower part with more than 20 buildings, the area holding the Ritual fountains, the area with cultivation terraces and the Tower area. This last holds the best architecture of the whole complex, thus being assumed to have served religious purposes or belonged to the Inca Royalty. We camps out in Wiñayhuayna . Time on the Trail: Seven hours until reaching the last camp at Wiñayhuayna.

DIA 4. WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

It is important to set aside sufficient time to visit the archaeological sites and their surroundings. It would a pity if the travelers, worrying about reaching Machu Picchu in a hurry, do not stop over long enough to get to know the awesome archaeological sites along the way. The landscape has now changed from the typical Andean to the typical Amazonian.The Incas always built their fortresses from which they could see without being seen, from where they could attack but not be attacked. The mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu , hidden away on a mountaintop on the edge of the tropical cloud forest region was thus a very difficult place to find. this last part, the traveler can see how the Urubamba river, finding its way down from the high Andes to the deep Rainforest, meanders its way past hundreds of meters tall freestanding cliffs all covered by luxuriant vegetation. The trail continues along the side of a massif hanging over a wide chasm with green slopes that come down to the noisy and foaming rapids of the Urubamba River , thousands of meters further down. Each turn of the road reveals a different species of plant life or wildlife and beyond them, a new perspective of the impressive surrounding landscape. After three hours walk, the traveler suddenly finds himself at Intipunku, or the sun gate. A small complex of small buildings that apparently seem to have been used as a control and outlook post. It is an excellent photo opportunity for panorama shots of all of Machu Picchu. If the traveler has started out very early, he (or she) will arrive just at dawn. This is maybe the best place and moment to contemplate the majestic grandeur of Machu Picchu , the Lost City of the Incas. You will return to the city of Cusco in a Bus and then by train. The van will take you downhill from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes , and once there you take the train that will take you back to Cusco and your comfortable hotel in only six hours. Time on the Trail: Three hours until Machu Picchu , which we reach approximately at seven in the morning.

Our service includes:

• Pickup from the hotel • Private bus to km 82 • Bilingual and Professional tour guide • Entrance ticket to Inca trail and Machupicchu • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 3 dinners • Snacks: every day • Cook • Porters to carry the camping equipment • Dinning tend, chairs, table. • Four tends (two people) • Mattress • First aid box • Oxygen balloon • Backpacker train ticket • Pick station to hotel in Cusco

Not included

• Last lunch in aguas calientes town • Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas calientes • Sleeping bags

Student Price with Isic Student Card : US$ 300

Not Student Price : US$ 330  Recommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route ( Inca Trail 2 Days) Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

Inca trail 2 Days 1 Night

Day 1. CUSCO – KM.104 – CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES

At 5:50 a.m. , we pick you up at your hotel for our short shuttle to Cusco San Pedro train station. The train ride covers 104 kilometers/64.6 miles (4 hours), and then we set out on our trek to the Wiñaywayna archeological complex and then onward to the town of Aguas Calientes , where we will spend the night in a charming little hostel.

Day 2. AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

At 6:30 a.m. , we will take the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu and arrive at Machupicchu at 7:00 a.m. We will enjoy a professionally guided 2½-hour visit of the great Machupicchu sanctuary-city. There is also an optional hike for the more energetic and adventurous people in the group, to the top of Waynapicchu Mountain the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machupicchu. After our visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we can enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs . In the afternoon we will take the 3:55 p.m. train back to Cusco ; arriving at the Cusco train station at approximately 8:30 p.m. , from where we will shuttle you to your hotel by private bus. Note: * People that want to visit Waynapicchu, must let us know as soon as they can, because according to the new rules, there is a limit of people ( 400) per day that can climb it .

Included:

Transfer in – out: Hotel -Train station- Hotel Backpacker Train Service: Cusco – Km. 104 (Chachabamba) or Ollantaytambo-KM 104 / Aguas Calientes – Cusco or Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo. Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 9 people Meals: 1 Box Lunch/ Snacks Ticket: Inca Trail & Machupicchu Bus ticket: Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes (1st day) Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes (2nd day) Hostel: Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes

Not Included

• Breakfast (day 1), usually the hotels offer this service • Dinner • Lunch 2° day

Student Price with Isic Student Card: US$ 270

Not Student Price: US$ 280

www.IncaPoint.com

Inka Trail/Recommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route ( inca trail 4d) / Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

Route of the Inca Trail

Route of the Inca Trail

The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu is without doubt a city symbol of the Inca civilization. The main road leading to the pilgrims and authorized officers of the empire to this holy city is the “Inca Trail” as we know it today
  The tour of this path is an unforgettable experience. The road is paved with stone blocks and has stairs, tunnels and wooden bridges that cross rivers, temperate valleys, cloud forest and the warm the cold Andean highlands. All this together makes the visitor meditate about the intellectual and spiritual grandeur of the Andean man whose greatest achievement was the Inca civilization.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of a system of more than 30,000 kilometers of roads that integrated the vast network of Tawantinsuyo, from southern Colombia to central Chile passing through Quito, Ecuador, Cajamarca, Huanuco, Jauja Huamanga and Cusco in Peru, La Paz and Cochabamba in Bolivia to Salta and Tucuman in Argentina. These roads ran mainly along the coast and the mountains and in some cases reached the Amazon such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

www.Incapoint.com

Inca Trail / Recommendations for the Inca Trail /Inca Trail 2d/                      Inca trail  4d/3n   / Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most famous trekking of Latin America and for many people, one of the top 5 trekings the world. In its 45 kilometers you can appreciate the beauty of mountain scenery combined with the incredible work of the Incas, to finally reach machupichu. The Lost City of the Incas

Cusco Explorer (www.incapoint.com) is an official operator of Inca Trail that prioritizes the tradition and culture for those who want to do it in a traditional way. Although there are literally thousands of miles of “Inca Trail” in Peru, focuses on the classic hike the Inca Trail 4 days beginning at km82 (82 kilometers along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes) and excursions in high mountains of the Inca ruins of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna, to reach Machu Picchu for sunrise on the 4th day of the walk. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is really a beautiful trip and we hope that proves to be an experience unforgettable.

Recommendations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route (2d/Camino inca inca trail 4d) / Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

 

www.Incapoint.com

Recommendations for the Inca Trail:

Recommendations for the Inca Trail:

Take as few things as you can, since you will have to carry them for at least eight hours a day. Weather and clothes: the weather changes a lot during the day since after sunset or when the sun gets covered by clouds the temperature falls rapidly. Thus, it is very important to take a warm jacket since it’s very cold at night. Water proof coats are very useful since they are light to carry and protect from rain and wind. In Ollallaytambo there is a stand were you can buy very practical raincoats for few soles. Shoes: if you have trekking shoes (Salomon or similar) they are very useful. In case you don’t there is no need to buy them. The key of an appropriate type of shoes is that they should be comfortable as to walk eight hours a day. If you have a pair of old tennis shoes that are comfortable for you, even though they are not trekking shoes, you should wear them. If you decide to buy a pair of shoes before the Trail, be sure of using them before since new shoes usually provoke swelling and blisters. Using water proof spray on your shoes is always a good choice to prevent your feet from getting wet. Walking sticks: they are really useful during the whole Trail. They are also sold at Ollallaytambo. Water: we recommend taking a one litter water bottle. We will provide boiled water every day. We boil it at night, so that you fill your bottle then and have cool boiled water the following morning. It is very important to drink enough water as you walk. It is also recommendable to drink tea with the meals, so as to have enough water during the day. Never drink water from springs during the trail. You should keep in mind that you must drink mineral water only while you are in Peru (Cusco, the jungle) also to wash your teeth, and avoid drinks with ice. Other advise: repellents for mosquitoes, flashlight (one every two people so as to find the restrooms at night, where there are any), sun block, batteries (for digital cameras). Food: do not take any since the one we will provide you is plenty.

In case you have any questions, please write to:

info@incapoint.com

www.incapoint.com

 

Inca Trail / Inca Trail Route (Inca trail 2d – Inca trail 4d) / Inca Trail Map / Responsible Tourism / Preparation for the Inca Trail / regulations for the Inca Trail / Inca Trail photos / Machupichu

Gay Places in Peru – Gay Friendly – Machu Picchu – Lima – Cusco

Outside Lima

Here are some gay or gay-friendly places outside Lima that I know of personally or have been recommended to me. As everywhere in Peru discos don’t really get started until nearly midnight.
In nearly every town or city in Peru the Plaza de Armas after 10 p.m. is cruisy. Local guys are usually friendly and can provide information on gay places. As always, take care, be cautious, and be safe. Please send me any information you can if you find anywhere new or visit any of the places listed below.

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Gay Places in Cusco

Little by little, the gay side of Cusco is being revealed as I receive more reports from travellers.
Regretably I have to put in a warning here; Cusco is less friendly than Lima and attacks do happen. Definitely the worst thing you can do is walk the back streets of Cusco after dark after having had a drink or three. Always take a taxi between your hotel and the main square or other destination (and back), take a taxi from a legitimate taxi company, after entering the taxi lock all the doors from inside and close the windows, don’t let anyone else into the taxi, insist the taxi goes right to the door of your hotel. Note these numbers of licensed taxi companies – 247080, 222222 and 222000. I mean this most sincerely, folks. Be warned.

Macondo, Cuesta San Blas 571, Cusco.
Tel: (084) 229415. E-mail: macondo@telser.com.pe
Gay-friendly cafe and bar. Described as artsy, funky and friendly. Good food with generous portions. Owner Andres (a former model) is also a tour agent and guide, speaks five languages, and with family help runs the bar-cafe. 10% discount in the cafe for SAE members.

Fallen Angel, Plazoleta Nazarenas 221, Cusco.
Tel: (084) 258184. E-mail: fallenangelincusco@hotmail.com
Gay-friendly restaurant and bar. Same owner as Macondo.

Witches Garden, Carmen Bajo 169, San Blas Cusco.
Tel: (084) 242175. E-mail: whitchesgarden@gmx.co.uk
Gay-owned restaurant serving Peruvian and International cuisine. Open daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

White Vinyl, Espaderos 135 (second floor), Cusco.
Gay-friendly disco. Thanks to Sandra for this information.

Mama Africa, Santa Catalina, Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
Reported as being a gay-friendly disco. Thanks to Paul for this information.

Meditation in Machu Picchu – Kundalini – Osho

Machu Picchu Meditation

Awakening the Lightbody

 

“There are many fine books written on pilgrimage to sacred sites and the awakening process, including the rising of the kundalini. Throughout the ages ordinary people have encountered different levels of kundalini rising (the uncoiling of the serpentine energies located at the base of the spine), as their deeper experiences unfold. When this energy rises it activates the inherit light codes and other worldly abilities associated with them. The kundalini is not a mysterious force although it may seem so at the time. It is our life force connection to Source. If you seek true enlightenment you must take the inner journey. However you need not experience the utter and complete unfolding of the kundalini to come away with inner gifts. It’s what you bring to the moment that counts.” ~ Kathy Doore

 

 

 

——————————————————————————–

 

 

Remembering Who We Are

 

 

Begin by closing your eyes …

 

and taking several deep cleansing breaths in and out,

 

in and out,

 

in and out.

 

As you continue this deep rhythmic breathing,

begin to relax your BODY…

 

Relax …

 

Relax your toes.

 

Your feet,

 

Relax you Knees,

 

Relax your Thighs,

 

Relax your Stomach muscles.

 

Relax the area around your Heart and Lungs, and breathe.

 

All tension flows out of your Shoulders and your Neck, and breathe.

 

Relax your Mouth, and your Eye …

 

Release your Jaw, and gently breathe, in and out.

 

Continue breathing gently in and out,

 

Deep cleansing breaths…

 

And now in this PERFECTLY RELAXED STATE

we are going to take a magical journey to touch the special energy of Machupicchu, and to feel the vibration of the ancient rainbow People.

 

We call upon the Great Central Source of all

Light, Love, and higher Wisdom – Mother Father God Goddess

to Light our Way.

 

Imagine now,

 

See it clearly…

 

A tiny golden globe of Light in your Minds Eye…

 

This tiny golden Light slowly grows in brilliance,

emitting such LOVE that you can

FEEL THE LOVE …

 

It becomes BRIGHTER and BRIGHTER

Shining with a golden Vibration of Peace.

 

You see it shimmers brilliant golden sun rays

emerging from a pure white lotus center

connecting you to the Great Central Source.

 

This exquisite Light Source

is gently pulsing in brilliance…

 

Beckoning you to ENTER.

 

You realize it is a DOORWAY!

 

Standing at the THRESHOLD

you find yourself GENTLY BREATHING IN

this golden Light…

 

Breathing in golden Light…

And exhaling golden Light…

 

And Breathing in golden Light…

And exhaling golden Light…

 

And Breathing in golden Light…

And exhaling golden Light…

 

And you gently MERGE

with this Brilliant Light

 

And You find yourself at the center

within the Source of Light,

 

You have ENTERED a SOLAR DOORWAY.

 

 

[PAUSE here for awhile and continue Breathing then commence the commentary]

 

 

And now … as the Brightness Clears

 

You find yourself sitting on a green grassy ledge.

And as you look around, you see a little trail leading down to the incredible stone walls of Machupicchu!

You have entered the Sacred Sanctuary of the Incas!

 

As you gaze across the great plaza you see the House of the Priestesses, and the Pachamama Stone. Just below you is the Sun Temple, and as you gaze up high, you spy the great Temple of Three Windows with its sacred plaza and altar stone.

 

And up even higher, on the highest pyramid,

you see the Intihuatana Stone in all its splendor, carved from the very earth itself anchoring Inti, the Divine Solar Source, with Pachamama, the Earth mother.

 

You are comforted by this Raw Beauty and Form,

created for the Blessing of Spirit.

 

You FEEL the Special Energy of this place.

 

You are SURROUNDED by the Green Velvet Mountains, abode of the Apu, Sacred Spirit of this Place.

 

In the Sky rise puffy white clouds against an Aquamarine horizon.

 

There is a tangible SCENT in the air, fresh, and SWEET…

like the smell of grass after a light rainfall.

 

Around you, on the rock ledges, are fragrant ORCHIDS,

nodding gently in the light breeze.

 

This Sanctuary, built for Spirit upon Granite and Quartz – living Stone,

exudes LIFE FORCE! Caresses your senses.

 

Now, faintly, you can hear clear running water all around you, and, UNDER you!

And you sense fresh streams RUNNING WITHIN THE EARTH.

 

UP and OUT through the 16 cascading water altars,

flowing from the highest peak DOWN,

 

DOWN

 

DOWN to the lowest terrace!

 

FLOWING WATER

 

CLEANSING WATER

 

LIVING WATER

 

And you connect, ONCE AGAIN, with the living energy of the LOTUS, as it emerges from the depths of the SACRED WATERS.

 

Dipping your hand into the water, you slowly anoint your chakras,

purifying your essence, your Light body,

just as you did in the Ancient Times.

 

Remembering who you are.

 

And you BEGIN TO REMEMBER.

 

YOU REMEMBER

 

You Remember the Ancient Wisdom held within these walls…

 

YOU REMEMBER

 

High above you,

circling over the cloud covered peaks,

you see a great Condor!

 

She swoops nearer to you and she is NOT alone,

she has given birth to a beautiful baby. And together they greet you, acknowledging you as one of their own.

 

ONE who came home.

 

And you KNOW this is a POWERFUL SIGN.

AND YOU REMEMBER

 

The STONES too

dance in this LIVING ENERGY.

 

OLD STONES.

WISDOM KEEPERS.

And they will help you REMEMBER.

 

Remember.

 

And as you SIT UPON THE OLD STONES

Remembering Who You Are

 

A faint melody wafts in the light breeze…

 

Slowly

Softly

 

The sound of Pan Pipes drifts up from the great Sanctuary.

You turn to find its source …

 

And, in that exact moment

you see a BEAUTIFUL Rainbow has just begun to form

arching across the velvet green terraces

in Shimmering Bright Colors!

 

Such Beauty!

Such Radiance!

 

You KNOW it’s a special GIFT

just for YOU.

 

Legend says that when the Rainbow appears

the Light Beings are PRESENT to Bless You.

 

The Spirit of the Incas – the People of the Rainbow,

are here, with you NOW.

 

As you gaze at the colors

you begin to FEEL the RAINBOW…

 

You begin to BREATHE the Color

the Frequency of Light!

 

You breathe in “The Red Ray” aligning your root chakra, at the base of your spine, you dig your toes in the grass, feeling your connection to the Pachamama, Mother Earth.

 

You breathe in “The Orange Ray” aligning your sacral plexus, your 2nd Chakra, as you delight in the loveliness of this moment!

 

You breathe in “The Yellow Ray” aligning your solar plexus in your stomach area connecting you to the Great Solar Source, and to the WORLD around you!

 

And you RELAX

Breathing in the COLORS OF LIGHT -

RED, ORANGE, YELLOW.

 

AND YOU BREATHE

 

You breathe in “The Green Ray” aligning your Heart Center as you OPEN to Pure Divine Love, Joyful Love!

 

AND YOU REMEMBER

 

You breathe in “The Blue Ray” aligning your Throat Chakra, the area of Divine Communication. And you RELEASE all the blocks that have prevented you from speaking your TRUTH.

 

YOU ARE JOYFUL

AND YOU REMEMBER!

 

You breathe in “The Indigo Ray” aligning your Brow Chakra, opening your Spiritual Vision, YOUR SPIRITUAL TRUTH.

 

AND YOU REMEMBER.

YOU REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.

 

And you BREATHE

 

You breathe in “The Violet Ray” aligning your Crown Chakra with Divine Source, and you breathe in all that you are, all that you ever were, all that you ever hope to be.

 

You breathe in the LIGHT

You breathe and MERGE with the LIGHT

You are PURE CHRISTED LIGHT

 

YOU ARE THE CORE OF LIGHT

 

TRANSCEND TIME AND SPACE

 

INFINITE STATE OF BLISS

 

PURE PERFECTION

 

AND YOU BREATHE

 

BREATHE IN LIGHT

 

BREATHE IN BLISS

 

BREATHE IN PERFECTION

 

AND YOU BREATHE

 

AND YOU REMEMBER

 

YOU OPEN TO DIVINE WISDOM

 

YOU BREATHE THE LIGHT OF WISDOM

 

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF WISDOM

 

AND YOU REMEMBER

 

YOU REMEMBER

 

YOU REMEMBER.

 

 

[Pause the voice commentary here for as long as you like,

until you are ready to return to present awareness.]

 

 

Quietly, as you EXHALE,

You begin to MOVE YOUR AWARENESS in TIME and SPACE

Slowly Moving toward the PRESENT

 

TO THE PRESENT MOMENT

 

to the HERE and NOW.

 

And you sit QUIETLY,

and INTEGRATE your journey into your PRESENT AWARENESS.

 

You are PEACEFUL

AND BLISSFUL

 

And you know that you can JOURNEY to this SACRED PLACE, ANY TIME.

 

The PLACE of the RAINBOW welcomes you HOME!

 

 

* * * End Meditation * * *