Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights

ITINERARIO:

See Map

Available Departure Dates

F.A.Q

We recommend following the basics of ecotourism. We must respect and protect the environment, as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.

This is the ultimate tour for people who have sufficient time, good health and are in good physical shape. ATTENTION: A large part the Inca Trail consists of steps. People with bad knees or ankles should keep this in mind!

In four days we will pass in incredibly varied landscape of sharp mountain passes, rugged grasslands and dense forests. We will walk over mountain passes with incredible views, parts of the original Inca Trail, and along the Inca ruins will appear out of nowhere from the green jungle.

DAY 1: BUS CUSCO (3350m.)–KM. 82 (PISKAKUCHO 2850m) – WAYLLABAMBA (3100m.).

Early morning (between 5:50am and 6:30am) we will with bus drive to Km. 82, where the starting point of the Inca Trail lies. The bus goes through the sacred valley and passes the villages Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo you will have time to have breakfast and purchase some final necessities for the hike (example a walking stick, rain poncho or some snacks).

At km. 82 (2850 m) we will meet the crew, and after passing the check point for the Inca trail, we will together cross the Urubamba River towards the village Miskay. From here the trail turns west to the ruins of Huillca Raccay. We will descend into the Cusichaca Valley to the last inhabited village of the trail: Wayllabamba (3100m). We will here have a dinner and stay the night in tents. This is the final stop where you can buy drinks and snacks for the tour.

Total time: 4,5 to 5 hours
Total km walked this day: 12km.

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA (3100) – WARMIHUAÑUSCA (4200) – PACAYMAYO (3600m.).

The second day of trekking will be the toughest as we are going to cross the highest mountain pass on the tour, the Warmihuañusca pass. We leave early in the morning Wayllabamba and starts ascend up to Llulluchayoc. The trail will be full of zigzag turns. From Llulluchayoc we will walk in the cloud forest upwards to the Llulluchapampa point (3850m) where we will have a beautiful view of the valley behind us.

In front of us we now have an intense climb to the Warmihuañusca pass, and will pass a river up to the páramo vegetation above 4000m altitude. The view from the Warmihuañusca pass in an altitude of 4200m is impressive. The Warmihuañusca pass is from Quechua translated to “dead women pass”.

Before we reach our campsite we need to complete a significant descend to the bottom of the valley to the Pacaymayo River (3600m).

Total time: 7,5 to 8 hours
Total km walked this day: 13km.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYO (3600m.) –SAYACMARCA (3725) – PHUYUPATAMARKA (3580m.) – WIÑAY WAYNA (2650m.).

The program of the third day is filled with historical and natural beauty, and will therefore also be the longest day of the trail, because we use time enjoying this. From the campsite we ascend to the ruins of Runkurakay (3800m) having a view of the Pacaymayo Valley. During this part the Inca trail really shows its beauty because a large part until the second pass, “Abra de Runkurakay” (4000m), is original Inca paved road. The trail follows us to amazing Andean peaks, deep gorges and through a beautifully designed staircase to Sayacmarca (3725m). This name signifies ‘inaccessible city’ and with good reason as the ruins are protected by steep cliffs.

From here the nature show us forests full of orchids, hanging moss and tree ferns, and we pass through an Inca tunnel up to the third pass in 3700 meter. From here we will be able to see beautiful views of snow captured mountain such as the mighty Salkantay (6180m) and Veronica (5750m).

The ‘city in the clouds’, Phuyupatamarca is the next stop along the trail. These impressive ruins can only be reached by a long set of steps. After our visit in Phuyupatamarca we have to descend down of hundreds of steps before we reach Wiñay Wayna (3km).

Wiñay Wayna will be our final campsite before reaching the ruins of Machu Picchu. Wiñay Wayna will be a more comfortable camp site with a restaurant, toilet and hot shower facilities. Hot shower can be used against a smaller charge. Close to the campsite lies the beautiful ruin of Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna signifies “eternal youth” in Quechua witch also is a name of a pink orchid that grows in the surrounding area. Because ten Inca baths are located in the area, it is assumed that Wiñay Wayna was a place for ritual bathing before entering Machu Picchu.

Total time: 8,5 to 9,5 hours
Total km walked this day: 15km.

DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA (2650m.) – INTIPUNKU – MACHU PICCHU (2430m.) - TRAIN BACK TO CUSCO.

To see the sun rice over the Machu Picchu ruins is impressive. To be able to see this, we will leave our camp early at 04:30 heading for the ‘sun gate’ (Intipunku). From here we will have an amazing view of the first sunbeams hitting Machu Picchu at approximately 7:30am.

The descend to Machu Picchu is short, only 45 minutes and we will have more than enough time to observe the scenery and take pictures. At the entrance of Machu Picchu we have to register and we can also safely leave your large backpack here. After having coffee, there will be a two hour long guided tour along the most important parts of Machu Picchu. After this, we have sufficient time on our own and maybe climb the Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the mountain in the background of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour to ascend and forty minutes to descend. Be observed that you need to make a reservation to climb Huayna Picchu. Tell your guide in advance that you want to make a reservation, so you can get one of the 450 intrance tickets before going on the guided tour. Tour to Huayna Picchu departs at 6:30am and 9:00am and the intrance ticket is free of cost.

Total time: 2,5 hours (not included visit at Machu Picchu)
Total km walked this day: 6km.

Many travellers choose to take the bus around 13:00 down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, as there is only one restaurant in Machu Picchu which is relatively expensive. In Aguas Calientes you may also want to visit the famous hot spring, which can be very relaxing after four days of hiking. The entrance fee is relative low, and last for about two hours.

The train to Cusco departs in the afternoon from Aguas Calientes, and it is important to be aware of the time schedule of the bus bringing you from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Normally buses leave every 25 minutes and the prices of the bus and train tickets are included in the total price of the tour.

The transportation from Aguas Calientes to Cusco can be difficult to order, and we can not promise when you exactly will be back at your hotel in Cusco. We order the train after this schedule:

You will get on a train that depart from Aguas Calientes to the train station in Ollantaytambo at 2pm or 6pm and it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. In Ollantaytambo you will have transportation by bus to your hotel in Cusco that takes aproxlymatly1 hour and 45 minutes.

You will be back at your hotel around 5.30pm to 6pm or 9:30pm to 10pm.

IMPORTANT:

• Your passport number
• If you have any special diet ( ex. Vegetarian)
• The hotel and address you stay at
• If you have any special dieses that we should be aware of (you are responsible to bring your own medicine). We will provide basic first ad kid and oxygen.

For the tour we provide a duffle bag (normal sports bag), where you can put in your personal belongings and sleeping back that you don’t want to carry at the trek, but still have with you on the tour. You are allowed to fill the bag with 7 kg. To get this duffle bag you go to Peru Travel Expedition in Plateros street No. 314. The office is located very close to Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Because there is a limit of the daily people entering the Inca Trail it is important to book well in advance. It has been forbidden to walk on the trail privately for several of years. Only local operators with a permit are allowed to provide this tour. Due to the increase in popularity of the trail we can not guarantee availability for access to the Inca Trail and train tickets back to Cusco if booked on short notice. The local operators have to provide a passenger list well in advance to the local authorities and once submitted these cannot be altered.

In February the 2-day and the 4-day trail are closed to maintenance of the trail.

INCLUDED

• Map of the Inca Trail
• Transport from hotel Km. 82
• Entrance Fee Inca trail / Machu Picchu
• English speaking guide
• Cook
• Porters (NOT responsible for personal gear)
• Complete camping equipment (two-person tents with simple inflatable madras’s, kitchen tent, toilet-tent, dining tent, tables and chairs, cooking equipment, cups, plates and cutlery, first aid kit and oxygen bottle.
• All meals from lunch day 1 until breakfast day 4 (as such; 3 x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3 x dinner)
• We provide 1 litre of boiled water every day, except day one.
• Visit at Machu Picchu included 2,5 hours guided tour
• Bus: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
• Train: Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Train station in Poroy or Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco

NOT INCLUDED

• Breakfast first day and lunch last day
• Water bottle for the first day
• Extra energy food (energy bars, dry fruit, etc.)
• Personal trekking gear (clothing, sleeping bag, more comfortable madras); last two mentioned available to rent.

Porter for personal equipment (available to rent, however, this should be arranged well in advance). Your madras provided by Peru Travel Expedition will be carried by porters.

NOTICE:

-It is possible that the campsites during the trail differ from those in the description above. Campsites are assigned by the INC; who maintain control over the Inca Trail operators.

-Porters coming along on the Inca Trail only carry general camping equipment. Sleeping bag, madras, cloth and additional equipment is always carried by you personally. If you wish to have a personal porter this can be arranged. Please let us know if you want an extra porter when you make your reservation. An extra porter can be shared by two people; however, the maximum weight per porter is 15 kilograms.

-In case you bring your own walking sticks, these are not allowed to have sharp points as they may damage the trail and ruins).

The information from the booking should be identical to the information from the passport you are travelling with. If you book the Inca Trail with an old passport and arrive with a new passport at the start of the Inca Trail, you will not be allowed to enter the trail! Make sure you send us up-to-date information in advance!!!

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

Below you will find a list of equipment we recommend you bring with you.
Original passport. If you are a student your original ISIC card.

• Cash money (Dollars and Soles)
• Backpack with rain protective cover
• Clothing
  Upper body:
  • 1 poly/fleece (wind stopper) jacket
  • 1 poly/fleece sweater
  • 1 shirt with long sleeves (optional)
  • 2/3 T-shirts
  • 1 rain-poncho (Preferable) or raincoat
  Lower body:
  • 1 wind/rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • 1 lightweight cotton pants (baggy pants/khakis)
  • 1 lightweight fleece pants
  Shoes:
  • 1 pair of trekking shoes
  • 1 pair of slippers or sandals (for relaxing and for showers and hot springs)
  On your head:
  • 1 woollen or fleece hat
  • 1 cap
  • 1 pair of sunglasses (countering UV light).
  Additional:
  • 4 pair woollen or synthetic socks
  • 1 pair woollen or fleece gloves
  • Bathing suit (for hot spring in Aguas Calientes, optional)
• Water (2L) for the first day and water bottle
• Snacks (energy bars or dried fruit)
• Toilet bag (medicines against altitude sickness and personal medication)
• Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect spray
• Towel
• Toilet paper
• Lighter/matches
• Torch or headlight (preferably) and extra batteries
• Sleeping bag (possible to rent)
• Camera, sufficient film, plus extra batteries
• Binoculars (optional)

ADITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL

The trail

Hiking at the Inca Trail is like going back in time. While you enjoy the amazing views, you will encounter constructions of the skilled Inca civilisation. Some parts the trail is steep, and at other parts more gentle both upwards and downwards. The nature is beautiful and the views are breathtaking.

Travel group, porters and guidance

You will hike in an international group of maximum 16 persons, guided by a local, English speaking guide. These guides are specially trained and have extensive knowledge of the Inca Civilisation and local flora and fauna. If there are more than 8 tourist on the tour there will be one or two additional guides more.

Tips

It is customary to give tips after the tour. Of course this is not a requirement and you decide how much you want to give. Tips can be given on the last evening (day 3), as this is the last moment that you are together with the group and trail crew.

Average tips if you are satisfied with the trip:
Around 60 sol per tourist. The staff will make sure to split the money equally.

Climate

In this area the dry season is from May - October. Although it rains occasionally in this period, the trails are perfectly useable. In the months November until April there is more rain and it can be muddy and slippery. At the second campsite it can be quite cold at night time.

Clothing

For the four day trail you should bring sufficient warm and windproof clothing. Good rain clothing (possible a rain poncho) is a must. Do not forget to bring your bathing suit, if you want visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Food and Beverages

All meals on the trail are included (Breakfast 1st day and lunch 4th day are not included). The meals are prepared by the cook. Water en other beverages are difficult to acquire during the trek (especially the first two days). The cook always boils water that can be used as drinking water for the following day. Be sure to bring sufficient water for the first day!

Overnight Stays

During the trek you will sleep in comfortable tents. If you wish to use a one-person tent it is possible against an extra charge.

Physical Difficulties

A four day trek is quite tough and in total you will hike 43km .Basic physical fitness is important and it is recommended to make a few large hikes before the tour. Keep in mind the large amount of steps.

Altitude

Max. 4200 m.(above sea level) - Warmi Wañusca
Min. 2650 m. (above sea level) - Wiñay Wayna