Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

The Inca Trail is the best known hike trail in Peru; It is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of MACHU PICCHU combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Wayllabamba

Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We will then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of Cusco–Machupicchu railroad. Starting at this point, we will cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley.

Following the trail along a flat terrain, we will arrive in Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 masl). We will continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3000 m.a.s.l). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 masl, above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Day 02 : Wayllabamba – Pacaymayu

We will wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast we will leave wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek which consist of an abroupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 Km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna. On the way to the first pass, the Warmiwañusqa (Dead woman’s pass) 2,400 masl. from this point we will see the the Veronica mountain. We advise that on this day specially, yor day pack is well stocked with candies,chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help wiht altitude sickneess. Inmediately after the passs, we will desscend into the Pacaymayu valley (3,600 masl), where we will camp after approximately 6h of hiking.

Day 03 : Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna

This day is longest but also the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we will visit and learn about from our guide. From pacaymayu we will climb to the second pass, the Runcurakay pass (3970 masl) half way up we will visit the archaeological complex with de the same name. And after the pass we will descend towards Yanaqocha (black lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayaqmarka ( 3624 masl ) this is beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction. Continuing up an easy climb, we will arrive at the third pass, the abra de Puyupatamarka (3,700 m.a.s.l.).
Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the incas ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled andean geography. To later arrive at the archeological complex of the Phuyupatamarka (town over the clouds). From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations. And also impressive views of the Urubamba river valley and the along descending stone steps to Wiñayhuayna Camp site.

Day 04 : Wiñayhuayna– Machupicchu

On this last day we will get up at 4:00 am to leave Wiñayhuayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or the sun gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot we will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the “ house of the guardians ” we will then descend to the control point where we will register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We will immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca Citadel that will take approximately 2 hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb to Haynapicchu mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu , the valleys and mountains that surround it, or you can visit the temple of the moon and the fabulous unca bridge. In the afternoon we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we will take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.
Departures and arrival times are approximate.
* Campsites are subject to change according to the destination of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

Departures :

Fixed departures every days exception: one-month closing period of the classical Inca Trail route in February, during which an alternative trail ia used from days 5 to 7.
Group size: Maximum 16 minimum 5.

What is included :

* Pick-up from you hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Km.82, the starting point of the trek.
* Inca trail and Machupicchu entrance fees.
* Igloo tents. 2 people in each 3 people capacity tents to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
* One mattress per person.
* Dinning tents with tables and chairs.
* Kitchen tent.
* English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 10 peoples).
* Cook and cooking equipment.
* Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
* Accommodation for our guides, cook, and porters.
* Meals (03B, 03L, 03D tea time and snack service every day).
* First-aid kid including emergency oxygen bottle.
* Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes.
* Train ticket (backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes-Cusco.
* Departures and arrival times are approximate.
* Campsites are subject to change according to the destination of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

What is not included :

* Breakfast the first day and lunch on last day.
* Sleeping bag.
* Visit to the hot spring.
* Tips.