Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights

Overview

This 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 5 indescribable days...remembers, the Inca Trail is not only for your feet but also for your mind...

Itinerary

Day 1 - Warming Up!

Today we pick you up from your hotel at 8am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometre 82) where the trail starts.

On arrival at kilometre 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card. To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. This first day will be relatively easy (Inca flat!!). We will go to the Inca Fortress of ('Huillca Raccay') from where we will have great views of the area where we are going to camp. Then we will walk down to the vast Inca site - 'Llactapata' (sometimes called 'Patallacta') where we will spend the night (2620m/8595ft).

Day 2 - Off the Beaten Track!

Today we will wake up at 7am and after breakfast we will start walking towards the village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft).

Here we will take a fork-off the 'beaten track' in order to see the beautiful and least-visited sight on the trail, the Inca fort of 'Paucarcancha'. After seeing this we will walk back down to Wayllabamba village for lunch. We will finally take a 3-4 hour walk uphill (800m/2624ft) to reach our second campsite (3800m/12467ft) - 2 hours from Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass'.

Day 3 - Beautiful Views!

This day will be our longest day as we will walk 16 kilometres and go over the 2 highest passes on the trail. After breakfast we will continue our walk uphill from the previous day to reach Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass' (4200m/13779ft), the highest point on the trail. After this, we will walk down to the valley where we will have lunch. This is followed by an ascent to the circular Inca fortress of 'Runkurakay' and then to the second pass of the same name (4000m/13123ft).

We will then begin our walk down to the campsite, visiting the lovely Inca site of 'Sayacmarca' ('High Rising Town') on the way. Our campsite (3680m/12073ft) is located an hour and a half walk from this site, on the third pass, Phuyupatamarka.

Day 4 - Incredible Incas!

Today will be the most extraordinary day of the trek. We will visit lots of Inca sites along the way; 'Phuyupatamarka', 'Intipata' ('Sun Site') and the most beautiful on the trail 'Wiñay Wayna' ('Forever Young'). Finally we will see Machu Picchu! We will pass through the ancient Inca site before arriving at our campsite which is down in the valley of Machu Picchu. We will have an early night in order to prepare ourselves to properly explore the mysterious city tomorrow!

If you prefer rather than camping on this final night we can arrange hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. You can also go the thermal springs in this town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!

Day 5 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu!

We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (20-minute ride) in order to catch the sunrise over this magnificent city.

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) will be given by your guide and after this you can explore the remarkable 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. The train usually leaves at 15.55 and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 20.20.

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)

Included

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide.
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people).
• Collection from hotel.
• 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).
• Return bus trip - Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Water (you need to bring water for the first morning then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled - water).
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks, 4 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.
• Sleeping mattress.
• Porters (they carry cooking and camping equipment and your personal items up to 7 kilos).
• 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 and hotel

Number of paxs	2 paxs	3 paxs	4 paxs	5 paxs
	$999.00	$910 .00	$870.00	$830.00
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 service:

Can be rented from us

• Hire of sleeping bag - 5 seasons
• 1 Extra porter to carry personal items
• Extra half porter up to 7 kilos
• Walking stick.
• Inflatable Mattress
• Single Tent supplement.

Optional items to take:

• Shorts
• Walking stick (with rubber tip)
• Plasters and bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

Feel free to customize and build your dream vacation. We provide virtually all tours and travel services availablein any of our destination countries. We will work side by side with you, providing the insight and knowledge you need in order to plan the perfectPeru travel package.