Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is beyond a doubt one of the most beautiful trails in America and an unforgettable experience not to be missed. The trail leads through the protected wild nature of the Peruvian jungle and forest steppe, passes several archeological Inca sights and offers impressive views. The Incas used this itinerary for theirpilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu. inca trail to machu Picchu.| Package Name: | Inca Trail Classic |
| Duration: | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Type of Trek : | Archaeological, Cultural, ecological and Adventure |
| Group Size : | To suit group requirements |
| Difficulty degree of this hike: | Moderate / Challenge |
Departures Day: | - Our company organize daily departures - All private service departure dates are adapted to your request. - A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek |
| Activities: | Trekking, Camping and Adventure |
| High Season: | March - January |
| Route: | Closed in February |
| Altitude: | 2050 - 4200 m. / 6730 - 13780 f. |
Inca Trail Trek
Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 – Wayllabamba - Yuncachimpa
we will leave Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 5:30 am by tourist bus to and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach our starting point km 82, we make a short break in Ollantaytambo for having the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inka Trail is called km 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration facilities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the fallowing days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), the camping site we will spend the night in. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.Level of difficulty: normal (easy)
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Total distance: 11km approx.
Day 2: Yuncachimpa - Llulluchapampa – Warmihuañusca pass - Pacaymayu - Runkurakay pass - Chaquicocha
The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’; that means, that everybody should walk in his/her own pace – of course you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trails first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km are step - enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds. From Llulluchapampa fallow the way for 2-3 hours until you crest the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacamayo (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you can relax your body from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.Level of difficulty: challenge
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Total distance: 15 km approx.
Day 3: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/"Town above the clouds" (3600m/11811f). A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna/"Forever young" (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water (5S) and bottled drinks.Level of difficulty: normal, unforgettable (easy)
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Total distance: 10 km Approx.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
After our breakfast at 4:30 am, we will head - equipped with our flashlights - to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take you almost one hour before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) around 8.00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After this tour you will have enough time to explore the archeological site on your own (f.ex. go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs (S10). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.Level of difficulty: normal, unique (easy)
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Total distance: 7 km approx.
What is Included:
- Transport
- Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to km 82
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Poroy)/or Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- Transfer from the train station in Cusco to your hotel in Cusco
- Entrance fees to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Camping equipment (professional two-persons tents: Doite, model Cima 4, extra light/4kg, Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg and Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs, a sanitary tent)
- Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea which is excellent for the altitude
- Tea and snack time everyday (tea, coffee, wantan, popcorn, cracker)
- Porters to carry the main luggage (all the equipment and cooking stock)
- First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope
What is not Included:
- Sleeping bag rent: US$ 5 per day. Our sleeping bags are –8ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner.
- Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes
- Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag (you can rent at Cusco Expeditions office).
- Bottle of mineral water.
- Rain gear and/or plastic poncho (can be purchase in Cusco).
- Hiking boots.
- Warm jacket or fleece, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat and wool hat.
- Flashlight.
- Sun block.
- Insect repellent.
- Toilet paper and garbage bag.
- Small towel and bathing suit (hot springs optional).
- Camera, extra film and extra batteries.
- Snacks, chocolates, energy bars.
- Emergency money.
- Walking stick (optional).
