Venture into the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you challenge yourself to complete the epic and world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Go across the very same trails that the ancient Inca people. In this exciting trek you will see the dazzling landscapes like mountains, cloud forest rich in flora and fauna. Be amazed and touched by every step of the way visiting archeological sites such as Wiñaywayna and more on route, heading to the impressive Machu Picchu Citadel.
Highlight – Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Km 82 – Llactapata- Ayapata (Trekking Distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
Day 2: Dead Woman´s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha (Trekking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna (Trekking Distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
Day 4: Machu Picchu (The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30AM)
Trip Overview
Tour type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
Total distance: 43KM/26 Miles.
Good for: Those who enjoy hiking and have a moderate level of fitness.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Considerations: Permit required (We will obtain it after you book with us).
Season: From Mach 1st to January 31st.
Trail closed: February for maintenance.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – AYAPATA
Pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30AM. At your briefing, these times will be confirmed as they might fluctuate based on where you staying. We will then drive to Km 82, arriving at about 7:00AM. After a delicious breakfast prepared by your cook, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek (please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail). The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site, Patallacta which is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. From Patallacta it’s another 2-hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch we will hike for another 2½ hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3300 meters). On this last stretch we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drinks or snacks you can do so here, you can also buy any essential items such as batteries that you may have forgotten. We’ll arrive to our campsite by 5:00PM and after settling in for a bit you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chef and guide. By 7:30PM your dinner will be ready, and afterwards you can get some well-deserved rest.
Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windy
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: campsite
DAY 2: DEAD WOMAN´S PASS – RUNCURACCAY PASS – CHAQUICCOCHA
Your porters will wake you up
early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is our
longest day and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 4 hours to the
highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet). On
reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before
setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden
River). It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch
spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending
again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the
way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls
cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s
another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an
otherwise inaccessible village).
We’ll stop here for a rest and have a quick tour of the site and then watch the
sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes
until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600
meters). After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some star gazing
and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent
Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is
something to behold!
Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: campsite
DAY 3: CHAQUICCOCHA – WIÑAYWAYNA
Completing Day 2 and beginning Day 3 certainly deserves a pat on the back! We begin early again, waking up at 6:30am to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along what we like to call “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk we will have the opportunity to see the majesty of Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from where we’ll have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain but the site itself is still hidden from view. From Phuyupatamarka it´s 3 hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.
During the descent we visit 2
Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the
Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00PM to have lunch and then relax for
the entire afternoon so that you’re relaxed and ready for your final day at
Machu Picchu. At around 4:30PM your guide will give you a short orientation and
you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, spending about an hour and a half
there. We will explain the significance of the site and combine all the
information given during the trek so you’re fully prepared for your visit to
Machu Picchu the following day.
We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and
chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to
introduce the team to the tourists once again and to thank them for the great
job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so at this
time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up in
the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn
in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins
at Machu Picchu.
Walking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: campsite
DAY 4: SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU – THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS
Wake up time is at 3:30AM.
We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first
to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our
team of porters and chef and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti
Punku). From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu
in all its glory. We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30am and then it’s just an hour
trek downstairs to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we approach Machu
Picchu the views of the city just get better and better! At about 7:40AM we’ll
reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2-hour private
guided tour. After the tour you’ll be given your bus tickets to make your way
down to Aguas Calientes and you’ll have plenty of free time to explore on your
own or climb one of the neighboring mountain – Huayna Picchu (must be
arranged ahead of time). Your guide will offer to meet you down in the
village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy on
your own your last lunch in a local restaurant. This is optional and not
included. At lunch, he will hand out train tickets, so if you choose to skip,
please arrange to get these before leaving him at Machu Picchu.
Unless you arranged for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition class
train departing Aguas Calientes at 16:20. Please make sure you are on the
platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This train will be 2 hours to
Ollantaytambo where a driver will meet you and drive you back to the city in
our bus, and then we will drop you off at your hotel.
Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Cusco (hotel booked on your own)
Includes
- Meals according to itinerary
- All guided excursions in English in shared/group service
- Expedition return train from Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket and Inca Trail permits
Does not include
- International and domestic flights
- Visas required to enter Peru
- Drinks
- Tips
- Tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Hotels
- Airport transfers
For the INCA TRAIL includes:
- Professional Guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
- Permits: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Briefing: The night before your trek, you will come to our office for your briefing. You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Porters: We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite.
- Transportation: All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to KM 82, to begin your trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco. Your bus down ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.
- Equipment: We use Eureka Timberline 4 tents that are shared by only two people. You will have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
- Food: The chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. We honor all food restrictions. Be sure to remind your tour guide of any food restrictions at the beginning of your trek. Food is typically served family-style.
- You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. You will also be provided a snack each morning, for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, we will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
- First Aid: Every guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
- Extras: We believe it’s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack covers to protect their things while hiking and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.
- Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we are prepared and all our guides are trained for most of the issues clients have on the mountain, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so our representative has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they are not cheap to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
Does Not Include
Rentals: Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
Sleeping Bag: US$ 30
Inflatable Air Mattress: US$ 15
Walking Sticks (Pair): US$ 15
Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is US$ 85.00 per person. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity and high season. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- DATA: The Ministry of Culture in Peru is in charge of all regulations of the Inca Trail including permits and campsites. In order to enter the Inca Trail, you must have a permit that matches your NAME, PASSPORT NUMBER, NATIONALITY and AGE issued by the Ministry of Culture. Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators can secure these and they are not transferable in date or name at any time. If you are unable to start your Inca Trail trek on your secured date, you cannot transfer to another person. If you need to change your start date, you will need to make sure permits still exist for new date and purchase a new permit. These are all rules of the government of Peru that we need to follow.
If permits are sold out for your desired start date, there are lots of other roads that lead to Machu Picchu. We can help you find the perfect trek for you.
- BRIEFING: All briefings are done at our office at 6:30PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with the office in advance. Briefings are approximately 30–45 minutes long. This is where you will receive your duffel bags.
- DUFFEL BAGS: You will receive your duffel bag at your briefing. These bags will be carried by the porters and returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.
- Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg. 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items, the other 3kg will be for our logistics such as your sleeping bag (Sleeping bag: recommend down bags for –10C at least) and pad.
- INSURANCE: Before traveling, we strongly recommend that you review your personal insurance and your health insurance to ensure you have appropriate cover to meet your needs, and the needs of your family and dependents, in case of any loss of property, or accident, injury or death. These trips are planned months ahead of time and you can never predict what will happen. Adventure travelling includes more risk than your normal trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this amazing journey.
- HEALTH CONCERNS: You must be honest with your guide about any health concerns you may suffer from. While guides are not medical professionals, they are trained in First Aid. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. We will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
- LOST ITEMS: You are responsible of your personal items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended while hiking. Other trekkers or teams may pick it up not knowing who it belongs to.
- WEATHER: Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket. It’s also important to note that weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable and our guides will be forced, for your safety, to rework the itinerary.