Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 Days)

The Inca Trail: the millennial highway that created an empire. ​The Inca empire was one of the largest and most important in America. Despite its transience – it lasted barely a century – it reached almost two million square kilometers, from Colombia to Chile, passing through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. 

One of the keys that favored such an exponential expansion was its extensive network of roads, known as “Camino del Inca”, which linked the main cities with the capital of the empire: Cuzco. The Inca Trail is considered by many to be the most famous hike in South America, it will fascinate you for its magnificent landscapes and superb mountains with clouds that seem to be able to be touched with your hands.

• Package / Tour: Inca Trail 4D/3N
• Price 2023: group price 700.00 USD$ (Per Person)
• 2 to 3 People: 750.00 USD$ (Per Person)
• Locations Visited: Inca Trail 4D/3N
• Frequency: 4 Times of week
• Physical Grading: 1-2-3-4-5

SCHEDULE

Day 1 – Cusco, Km 82 to Wayllabamba:

In the morning at around 05:45am we will depart from the city of Cusco (3350m / 10990 ft); we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is where your trek will begin, and you will meet with Quechua porters who are responsible for carrying all the food and camping equipment for our expedition.

The most common plants in this area are the large cactus, (Trichocereuspachanoi), Achupallas (Puya nail-Herculis). On this hike you will have the opportunity to see the large snow-capped mountain called Veronica or Huacayhuillca (5750m/18 865ft) you can see the Inca influence in Kanabamba and Llactapata, these are both famous archaeological sites with a rich history.

Later we will stop in Tarachayoc to have lunch there; and afterwards continue walking towards the town of Wayllabamba and arrive at our designated campsite for dinner.L:D

Day 2 – Wayllabamba – Warmihuañusca – Pacaymayo:

After breakfast at approx 06:00 a.m. We’ll hike through the valley of Llulluchapampa (3850 / 12631ft) to the Andean forest, we’ll see Uncas trees typical of this area, different types of bromelias, the traditional straw plants used for building for thousands of years and also food for the lamas and alpacas.

Shortly after we’ll get to the highest point of our trek which is called Warmihuañuska pass or dead woman pass (4200m/ 13780ft) with great views of the sacred snow-capped mountain Huayanay and Vilcabamba range. After a short break you will make your way down the deep valley of Pacaymayo (3500 /11483f) to have lunch, and there we will set up camp. After a rest, dinner will be served – B:L:D

Day 3 – Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna:

After breakfast at approx. 5:30 am, we’ll climb up a set of steep stairs to Runkurakay archaeological site (3700 m.) and then continue to the second pass (3900m/12796ft), and walk downhill to another archaeological site called Sayacmarca to have lunch in Chaquicocha.

This is considered the most beautiful day of the trip because of the incredible view of cloud forest, the Inca tunnels, the Inca trail cobblestone and of course the natural beauty of orchids, begonias, etc. At the third pass we’ll visit the town over the clouds (Phuyupatamarka 3700m/12136ft).

From here you will be able to see the Machupicchu Mountain and finally walk down a set of stairs to Wiñaywayna (forever young 2650m/8692ft), this last campsite has a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. We will then enjoy a farewell dinner at our camp. Meals: B:L:D

Day 4 – Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu:

On the fourth and last day we’ll need to get up at early at 4.00 am and leave Wiñaywayna an hour later to climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This trip will take around an hour, hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in the highland jungle.

From this fabulous spot, we can see the sun rise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we’ll enter to the Citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves with the authorities and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided-tour of the Inca Citadel which will take approximately two hours.

You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that only 400 visitors are allowed per day), or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. B.Puerto Maldonado city.

IMAGES INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU

TOUR INCLUDED

• Professional, bilingual tour guide
• Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
• Pick up from your hotels in Cusco
• Transportation bus to kilometre 82 and train* and bus to Cusco.
• Water (only for first 4 hours of trek
• we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Professional cook
• 4-man tent is provided for 2 people only
• Sleeping mattress
• Porters (they carry cooking and camping equipment)
• Bus trip from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit

YOU SHOULD BRING

• Original passport (and International Student card ISIC card if applicable)
• Travel Insurance is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included )
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
• Toiletries and hand sanitazer
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are usefull

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to travel the Inca Trail?

The high season on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is from May to September, because this time coincides with vacations in the Western Hemisphere. These months probably offer the best trekking conditions with a dry and sunny climate.
The Inca Trail closes the month of February of each year, because it is the rainiest month.

Can children do the Inca Trail?

Children accustomed to walking can do the Inca Trail, although we recommend that they be over 12 years old.

Do I need a great physicist to travel the Inca Trail?

It is recommended that you have a good level of physical condition, however, you do not have to be a fan of exercise.

Will I be affected by altitude sickness?

Altitude is one of the biggest challenges about trekking in Peru. To help you acclimatize and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, we recommend the following:

– Avoid alcohol and smoking.
– Drink a lot of liquid. Coca tea is an ancient ancestral remedy.
– Avoid agitation and strenuous exercise upon arrival in Cusco.
– Avoid sleeping pills.
– Spend between 2 and 3 days to acclimatize before starting your walk.

What happens if I get sick and need to go back?

This does not happen very often; However, if it happens, our guides are very experienced and know how to act in case of any emergency or unexpected occurrence; They will do everything possible to help you complete your walk. In addition, first aid kits and oxygen tanks are carried for emergencies. However, if you become seriously ill and need to return to Cusco, you will be treated quickly and arrangements will be made for you.

Once I booked, can I change my departure date?

No, unfortunately, once your reservation is confirmed, we can not change your trekking date or reimburse your permit.

Are there many bathrooms on the Inca Trail?

There are several toilets along the way, some have toilets, but most of them do not. When you are in your camp, you will have a bathroom store that will be only for your group.