The 4-day trek to Machu Picchu on the Classic Inca Trail is one of the best-known and most popular treks in the world. This due to the original Inca paved roads, which keep fascinating Inca archaeological sites and the charming Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
This is one of those trips that you should not miss in life, less if you are in the magical city of Cusco. Sharing the trek in small groups is essential to get the full attention of the expert guides, it is also a good idea to hire a personal porter to help you carry the equipment during the route, so you can enjoy of the trip to the fullest.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ BRIEFING 1 or 2 days prior to the trek
✔ Inflatable sleeping Mattress
✔ Dining tent with tables and chairs
✔ First aid kit
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ Chef
✔ Breakfast
✔ Pick-up from your hotel
✔ Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
✔ Hot water every morning
✔ Oxygen bottle
✔ Small Group, Maximum 12 people.
✔ Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
✔ Inflatable pillow (you need to carry)
✔ Professional English-Speaking guide
✔ Personal porter to carry 5kg of your gear you can enjoy the trek to the full.
✔ Comfortable and very spacious 4 man tent (one tent is used by two people)
✔ Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
✔ Transportation by bus to Km 82
✔ Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment.
✖ Sleeping Bag (Can be rented from local tour operator)
✖ Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
✖ Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
✖ Gratuities
✖ Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
At the principal door of the Cathedral
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (15 KM)
1
Inca Trail
After breakfast we will travel to the starting location of the trail, known as kilometer 82. This first day is relatively easy going and smooth as we move along visiting ruins such as the city of Llactapata. This ruin, constructed at the foot of a mountain, was a very important center that had administrative, economic, and religious functions. We will also visit Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta.
After visiting these two sites we will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca (“happy bridge”) River, also observing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaelogical sites. Continuing our gradual walk upward we will arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.
Duration: 5 hours
WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (16 KM)
1
Inca Trail
We will begin our day very early to reach at the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).
The trek in the morning is rather physically intense, more so for those who are not accostumed to hikes in this altitude, yet it is alsoone of the most spectacular. The first part of the trail we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.
Continuing on our ascent, the habitat will begin to change as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees, unique to this area. Two hours later we will arrive to another campsite, Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, a great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, before descending a few hours to our next campsite in Pacaymayu for the night
Duration: 7 hours
PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (10 KM)
1
Inca Trail
We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the arhcaelogical site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain, that was in ancient times a tambo, or resting place. Another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 ft), after which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. After a thorough visit we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.
From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a marvelous display of Nature’s beauty. Here the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. From here we will descend to our last campsite, passing a very important archaeological site and temple designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.
Duration: 8 hours
WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5 KM)
1
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise in the Andes.
Afterwards, a 45 minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu, a natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. The tour will last approximately between 2 or 3 hours, then you will have time to explore and climb to the Huayna Picchu moutain (at an extra cost and have to be booked in advance). In the afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Included in our service is the tourist bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, return on the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where you will be collected and taken by bus back to Cusco.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Minimum age is 6 years
• Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart disease or other serious medical conditions
• Important: Upon booking, please contact the email address on your voucher to advise of any specific requirements and flight information
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Important: Since 2000 the Inca trail has been regulated by the country of Peru. This has provided many wonderful things, like clean trails and camping sites, but it has also limited the amount of people on the trail each day. Now only 500 people are permitted on the trail every morning – this includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks.
• It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 5 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out. What you need to bring:
• Original Passport, ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Clothes: Walking boots, Waterproof jacket / rain poncho, Warm jacket, Hat and gloves, T-shirts, comfortable trousers
• Other items: Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher), insect repellent, toiletries and hand sanitizer, personal medication, camera and film, torch with spare batteries
• If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
