Duration: Machu Picchu Inca Trail (5 days)
Location: Hiking 43 km.
Price: From U$1400%10 : U$ 1260
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  • Overview

    There are approximately 40 km, or 25 miles, to cover during the hike.  This may seem a little impossible, but trust us, thousands of people have done this with no problems at all!  The trail starts at 8,700 feet and ends at 7,860 feet above sea level.  There are ancient Inca paving stones on the pathways, so the trail conditions are always excellent.  You will feel as if you are being transported back in time, as you walk along the same path the Incas did all those years ago.

    Day 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba
    Day 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu
    Day 3: Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarka
    Day 4: Phuyopatamarka – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
    Day 5: Machu Picchu- Cuzco

    Note About Trekking Permits: Plan Ahead

    The government of Peru has restrictions on the numbers of hikers on the trail, the limit is 500 per day.  To avoid disappointment please check with us some 6 – months before. 

  • Itinerary

    Day 1: Huayllabamba

    Day 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba

    On this first day, you are picked up at your Cusco hotel and driven directly to the head of the trail.  The trail-head is approximately three hours from Cusco.  The highlights of this day’s trek include the rushing Vilcanota River and the Nevado Veronica.  You will first hike to the Inca ruins of Llactapata, before heading to the south and climbing up the valley near the Cusichaca River.  The Opuntia and Cholla cactus are quite common along the beginning of the trail and you will see many animals that are unique to this part of the world.  As the daylight begins to fade, the porters will set up camp near the charming village of Huayllabamba.  You get to sit down, relax, and visit with your fellow hikers, as dinner is being prepared and you choose how early you turn in and get some sleep.

    Hiking distance: 12.1 km – 7.52 miles / 5 to 6 hours

    • Piscacucho (Km 82) – Patallacta: 6.3 km – 3.9 miles
    • Patallacta – Huayllabamba: 5.8 km – 3.1 miles
    • Highest altitude: Huayllabmba 3000m – 9843ft
    • Camping Facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, portable camping toilet, no showers and no shops.
    • Meals included: 1 lunch – 1 dinner.
    Day 2: Pacaymayu

    Day 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu

    This day begins early and you start by climbing up to Dead Woman’s Pass, which is locally known as Abra Warmihuañusca.  You will see breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding cloud forest.  This is the most difficult part of the trek, with an abrupt and steep ascent that is approximately 10 km in length.  Once you accomplish that, you will continue on to Llulluchapampa and it is the perfect place to grab a few purchases of items that you may have forgotten or didn’t know you needed.  You may spot a few deer and falcons prior to leaving this area behind, but be prepared for the dry area, puna, which has very little vegetation and is your next destination.  It is here where you will see llamas and alpacas and it is all downhill from there until you reach the area where you will eat lunch.  The afternoon is spent wandering through the Pacaymayo Valley and the nighttime hours bring Happy Hour and an amazing meal.

    Hiking distance: 8.8 km – 5.47 miles / 6 to 8 hours

    • Huayllabamba – Wamiwañusca Pass: 6.4 km/3.7 mi
    • Wamiwañusca Pass – Pacaymayo: 2.4 km/1.49 mi.
    • Highest altitude Wamiwañusca Pass: 4205m – 13796f

    Camping Facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, portable camping toilets, no showers and no shops.

    Meals included: 1 breakfast – 1 lunch – 1 dinner.

    Day 3: Phuyopatamarka

    Day 3: Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarka

    On the other side of the valley is the second pass of this incredible journey.  You will want to spend hours at the waterfalls, but we will urge you on, so you can truly appreciate the Inca ruins of Runcuraccay.  It is after you see the ruins that you will reach the second pass and you will once again descend into the cloud forest.  It will not take you long to reach the most incredible Inca ruins on the trail, Sayacmarca.  There is so much to see at these ruins that we spend an hour taking you around and showing you all the details.

    You will be more than ready for lunch at this time and you will dine near the dry lake of Chaquicocha.  You are not too far from the campsite for the night, so once you have eaten your meal, you can start off for Phuyupatamarca.  You may be in a rush to reach camp, but make sure you take the time to stare out at the marvelous views of the Vilcabamba mountains.  Once you reach your campsite, you will see Machu Picchu in the distance, as well as the Urubamba River.  You are going to be so intent on exploring the nearby Inca site, but make sure you are back in plenty of time to eat dinner and attend Happy Hour!

    Hiking distance: 13.4 km – 8.33 miles / 7 to 8 hours

    • Pacaymayo – Runkurakay: 0.8 km – 0.5 mi
    • Runkurakay – Runkurakay Pass: 0.6 km – 0.37 mi
    • Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka: 1.6 km – 0.99 mi
    • Sayaqmarka – Phuyupatamarca: 5km – 3.1 mi

    Camping facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, toilets, hot showers available for U$2.

    Meals included: 1 breakfast – 1 lunch – 1 dinner.

    Day 4: Phuyopatamarka - Aguas Calientes

    Day 4: Phuyopatamarka – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

    The Royal Highway is where you will start this beautiful day on the Inca Trail, and you will be thrilled that your final destination is so close!  Rare orchids blossom within the cloud forest and you will see many of them before you arrive at the Wiñay Wayna ruins.  The last part of Machu Picchu Mountain is stunning, and you will make a stop at the infamous Gate of the Sun before finally arriving, under the afternoon sun, at the ruins of Machu Picchu, time where there are not so many people inside the park and you will be able to enjoy Machu Picchu by your self.

    After your guided tour, your entire group will board a shuttle bus to a hotel. We been running this trip including a hotel at the end of the four day and it had been a success. After long 4 days hiking you will be able to sleep well in a nice comfortable bed, take a nice shower, eat in a nice restaurant and you will be totally ready to enjoy Machu Picchu again but this time will be with your guide. Also you will have the chance to hike Huayna Picchu or Montaña mountain that is already included in the price.

    Hiking distance: 8.8 km – 5.5 miles / 6 to 8 hours.

    • Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna: 5.4km – 3.35 mil
    • Highest altitude: Runkurakay Pass 3950m – 12960f
    • Wiñaywayna – IntiPunku:  4.3km – 2.67  miles
    • Intipunku – Machu Picchu: 0.37 km – 0.23 miles

    Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

    Day: Cuzco

    Day 5: Machu Picchu- Cuzco  

    After a good breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus back to Machu Picchu. Our guides are all experts and they will share their knowledge of the history and all unknown wonders of this magical destination.

    You will have an option of taking an earlier bus to the ruins and if you choose to do that, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the sunrise and more time to hike some of the lesser known trails.

    A few of the spectacular sights that you will see include:

    • Temples of the three windows and the sun
    • Inca Bridge
    • Sun Gate
    • Sacred Plaza
    • Intihuatana Stone, which is the hitching post of the sun

    At a specified time, you will rejoin your group to descend down to Aguas Calientes.  Before departing by train, you will have a little time to visit the local hot springs for a cost of 10 soles.  This will allow you relax those sore muscles before traveling by train to Cusco.  You will arrive at your final destination around 9:30 pm and then transported to your hotel.

  • Included

    What’s included?

    The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour includes meals, train and bus tickets, porterage for up to 8 kg of personal gear, camp gear including tables, chairs, dining and sleeping tents, therma-rest sleeping pad and a water filter. You will not be short of any equipment or amenity with our tour.

    • Permits: Entrance fee for admission to the Inca Trail National Park, entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary, permits and fees for the tours porters and cook.
    • Porters: Porters to carry equipment (tents etc.). The cost of portage for a maximum of 8 kg of personal gear, communal camp equipment, including camp chairs, tents, a comfortable inflatable mattress.
    • Camping tent gear: Spacious 4 season – 2 men tents, pillows, sheets, sleeping bag liners, 5 cm 2 inches inflatable mattress, sleeping bag according the weather condition (North Face), personal duffel bag.
    • Dining and a  kitchen tent: camping tables, chairs, eating and kitchen ware.
    • There are portable toilet tents for only your group to use, these are very private.
    • Meals: There are 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 4 lunches, morning and afternoon snacks during the trek. All of these meals are prepared by our cook and assistants.  Delicious coca tea is brought to you each morning, so you can start the day on the best footing. We provide you with boiled water after every breakfast, lunch and dinner for your water bottles
      Happy hours, you receive a mate de coca and some local coffee which is prepared by the cook. Nutritious snacks every morning for the trek day ahead. Special foods are available on  request.
    • Guides: We have 2 guides when there are 8 or more guests. They are graduates who have studied tourism and the Inca history at the university. They are also English speaking. A two hours guided tour of the wonders of Machu Picchu
    • Transportation: A bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village, train to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco City, private transportation from your hotel to the Inca Trail and back.
    • Hotel: Hotel in a 3 star category in a single or double classic room. Hotel are rated with 4 to 5 points put of 5 in TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
    • (Local Taxes included).
    Not included

    What’s not included?

    • Huayna Picchu, or Montaña Machu Picchu entrance fees (U$20)
    • Hotel in 4 or 5 stars. Available upon request.
    • Trekking poles
    • Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes, also known as “Machu Picchu town” (10 soles)
    • Final lunch/meal at Aguas Calientes
    • It is recommended that you bring the following
    • Passport and ISIC student card (if eligible)
    • Trekking boots, that are light with good ankle support
    • Trekking poles metal tips are prohibited by law.
    • Warm clothes especially at night when temperatures can fall.
    • Thermal underwear for the cold nights or mornings.
    • Gloves, mittens, a scarf, woolen socks, hat for the cold at altitude.
    • Some t-shirts and trekking pants that can be turned into short pants.
    • A flash light, head torch, and of course some extra batteries
    • Camera and Binoculars- for the wonderful views and to capture your memorable experiences.
    • A hat with a broad visor to protect your eyes and face.
    • Sunscreen/ sunglasses
    • Personal medical kit fir cuts and bruises, it is advised that you bring some insect repellent.
    • Rain Gear: waterproof jacket and a rain poncho to keep you dry.
    • Toiletries, toilet paper and a small towel for personal hygiene
    • 2 liter water bottle, plastic bottles are prohibited in Machu Picchu and the adjacent area.
    • Water purifying tablets, but we also provide boiled water that is safe.
    • Bathing suits if you wish to visit hot springs at Aguas Calientes
    • Money for tips for guides etc. (USD$30-40)
    • Money for emergencies/unexpected events (200-350 soles) (USD$ 120)

    Inca trail tour arriving to Machu Picchu

  • Extras

    Give your hiking experience a little twist with better hotel category, single room or single tent.

    Hotel

    Hotel

    Hotel is included in the fourth night after the hiking tour portion ends. Our hotels are strong 3 stars reviewed from 4 to 5 points out of 5 in TripAdvisor and Bookingcom. Rooms are in a single and double bed. Will you like to upgrade to a 4 or 5 stars? please let us know contact@riverexplorers.com

    If you wish to have your own private room it cost an additional U$ 60.

    Single supplement

    Single supplement tent

    If traveling alone you have the option of sharing a tent, we will pair you with another trekker of the same sex and you will not be charged. If you want a tent to yourself, the surcharge is US$98. 

    Hotel Lima or Cusco

    Hotels in Lima or Cuzco 

    Hotels are priced at $70 per night for a double, and $60 for a single, this includes taxes and breakfast. There are many hotel options available. We can book you into a hotel. Please contact our Trip Consultant at Andean Treks to learn more about our options and how we can help you to have an experience of a lifetime.

    Rates can vary.

    *INSURANCE:  It is highly recommended that you obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance, including Medical Problems, and cover for baggage loss or damage.

  • Departures

    Departures are fully flexible. Our minimum number of participants per group are 2 and maximum 16

    Note: If you can’t make a group tour, we can book the Inca Trail trek for you on any date or day, if permits are available.  Please contact us for prices and details. We will be happy to help you.

    Ask for private service.

  • Guides, cook and porters

    Our guides speak good English and are friendly and very informative. Our cooks are experts and can provide you with local dishes that are the same quality as those in hotels. Porters carry everything for you and this means that you can enjoy your trek and enjoy the spectacular views. Our porters are famous, and they are known as the ´Green Machine´ on the Inca Trail.  All out staff work as a team so that your experience on the trail is one that you will never forget.