Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights

Overview

The Inca trail is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world! The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive examples of the approximate 40000 kilometers of roads built by the Incas some 500 years ago! Inca road roads were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from south Colombia throughout Peru, Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile and the Northwest part of Argentina! The Inca Trail starts in a typical Andean region and finishes in a jungle region going through cloud forests, Inca tunnels, bridges and snow on the way!! Undertaking this trek is an opportunity to go back in time and live with the Incas for 4 indescribable days...remembers, the Inca Trail is not only for your feet but also for your mind...

Itinerary

Day 1 – The Start of the Adventure – "Inca flat"!

Total distance to be covered on day 1: 12km (5 to 6 hours more or less)

We will meet and pick you up from the Regocijo square (less than 5 minutes from any hotel in Cusco!) at 4-4:30am (time to be confirmed at the briefing time) and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo (06:30-7am) to load up on energy (breakfast – not included)

On arrival at kilometer 82 (08:30am more or less), we will have sometime to organize ourselves (use the restrooms, put on sun cream, mosquitoes repellant, etc) and then it is necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) the student card at the trails 1st control point.

To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up on the 'Inca flat' terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Inca Fortress ('Huillca Raccay'), the vast and incredible Inca site 'Llactapata' (officially called 'Patallacta'), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known in books as Veronica.

Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be one hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperature at night is usually around 5ºC (depending on the month).

Day 2 – The Trail Trial! We go over 2 passes....

Total distance to be covered on day 2: 16km (8 to 9 hours more or less)

After waking up at 5:30am (maybe at 05:00-depending on your Guide) and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass' – 4200m/13779ft). On this day a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to the lunch stop which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft).

On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees such as the ´Polylepis´ or Q'ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!

After lunch begins the second 2 hours steep climbing to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000 meters), we arrive in our campsite by 5 pmish. Temperature at this campsite around 4ºC during the nights

Day 3 – Back in the past! Beautiful scenery and a short walk to camp.

Total distance to be covered on day 3: 10km (5 hours more or less)

This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! Again we wake up for breakfast at 6am, and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of 'Phuyupatamarca' (meaning 'Town in the Clouds') and to reach the third highest point on the trail (3680m)). The views from here of the mountains, canyons and surrounding area are spectacular.

The Inca site, 'Phuyupatamarca', is located a few minutes walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps!) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Inca site of 'Intipata' until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft). Today we have only walked about 4 to 5 hours and have arrived to camp by lunch time!

A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name 'Wiñay Wayna' ('Forever Young'). Even if you are tired after your day's trek, don't miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.

Temperature during the night is around 12º C

Day 4 – Machu Picchu in its Glory!

Total distance to be covered on day 4: 5km (2 hours more or less)

We leave the last campsite at about 5:30am on the final day (breakfast 3.30-4:00am). It is an early start in order to get to 'Inti Punku' ('Sun gate') (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself!

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Train included in all tours is until Ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco.

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!

Allocations or Itinerary are subject to change depending on time of booking and campsites provided by INC (institution that runs the Inca Trail).

Included

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide.
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or More people). Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Transportation - bus to kilometer 82 and train back (train service to Ollantaytambo)
• Collection from Ollantaytambo train station (on day 4). Bus trip from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
• Water (you need to bring water for the first morning then we will provide you with drinking - previously boiled - water).
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 + lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included).
• Dining tent with tables and chairs. Cook.
• 4-man tent for 2 people. Foam sleeping mattress.
• Porters (they carry cooking and camping equipment). Oxygen bottle.
• First Aid kit.

Vegetarian food on request at no extra cost!

What you need to take:

• Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable) Travel Insurance is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us) 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 sanitizer. Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)

Prices

Price for adults	660 USD per person
Price for students (with a valid ISIC card)	620 USD per person
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

Optional items to take:

• Shorts
• Walking stick (with rubber tip) Plasters and bandages Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional service: can be rented from us
• Hire of sleeping bag - 5 seasons
• 1 Extra porter to carry personal items
• Half porter up to 7 kilos
• Walking stick. Highly recommended! Inflatable Matress Upgrade
• Single Tent supplement