Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Trek Along The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Trek Along The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-10-25

The Classic Inca Trail will take you on an epic hike, along the footpaths of the Ancient Incas, with breathtaking views, remarkable archaeological sites, and exceptional flora and fauna, for a true and legendary experience of a lifetime. The classic Inca Trail hike involves a four-day, three-night hiking and camping adventure.  This particular 43-kilometer (26.7 miles) stretch of trail connecting major Inca archaeological sites to Machu Picchu, is just one of the trails of the Inca road network called the Qapaq Ñan, which has more recently become known as “The Inca Trail.” Over the last 10 years, this hike has become incredibly popular to the point that access to this trail is strictly limited and requires a permit to be purchased roughly 6 months in advance.  It is impossible to hike this trail without a licensed guide and the daily number of hikers allowed on the trail is limited to 500, including porters and guides. This is why it is essential to book well in advance. Our Trek Along The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu package not only includes this magnificent trek but allows adequate time in Cusco city to acclimatize properly and explore the Inca capital, prior to the trek.

 

Llamas are synonymous with Machu Picchu. They are there to recreate what Machu Picchu might have looked like back in history. Although the cloud forest is not the llama’s natural habitat, the presence of llamas in Machu Picchu was a real occurrence because archeological excavations have proven it. So, see our furry friends on the slope and staircases on your Peru Machu Picchu trip!

Llama at Machu Picchu

Cusco 

Enjoy the impressive Inca Capital of Cusco, with its fine blend of Inca constructions and colonial buildings, along narrow cobblestone streets, where history and the modern way of Andean life, combine perfectly in this eclectic city. On your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing and then have the rest of your time for acclimatizing or exploring the city. Enjoy the sights, along with indigenous and colonial heritage at your leisure. At night, experience Cusco’s nightlife (not too much of course, we have a bucket-list hike waiting for us!) and sample some of the exquisite Andean cuisines at one of the traditional Peruvian restaurants.

 

Although Cusco is astounding in its own right, one of the reasons it draws so many tourists is due to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Daily trains run from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, situated below Machu Picchu itself, from where shuttle buses take people up to the Inca citadel. On Cusco tours, explore the Inca capital profoundly before you head out on your Machu Picchu tours from Cusco.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco

Inca Trail

Day 1-12.5 km (7.2 miles)

This first day is relatively easy and flat. It starts off with approximately 5-7 hours of hiking before you get to your campsite. You will hike 5 km along the Urubamba River to the ruins of Llactapata. After lunch, you will continue along the Cusichaca River until you reach your campsite at Huayllabamba.

 

The Inca Trail or Qhapaq Ñan in Quechua, is an ancient route that crosses the four corners of the Inca Empire. It includes a segment used by the Incas to access the citadel of Machu Picchu. Now, the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is a popular trek recognized as the best Trek in all South America and ranks in the top 5 best hiking routes on the planet.

Campsite on The Inca Trail

 

Day 2- 8.3 km (5.1 miles)


This is the most challenging day of the trek. Today is approximately 8-9 hours of hiking with lots of elevation gain. The day will begin the day climbing Warmiwañusca or “Dead Woman’s pass”, The Inca Trail’s highest point. This will take 5.5 hours until we reach our lunch site shortly after getting over the pass. The pass shows an amazing view of Pitusiray and Colquecruz mountains if it is not too cloudy. After lunch, it is approximately hours to the campsite at Rukurakay.

 

The highest point on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail trek is at ‘Abra Warmihuañusca’, better known as "Dead Woman´s Pass". It is found at an altitude of 4,224 meters. This mountain pass is crossed on day 2 of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The impressive Andean scenery and ancient Incan ruins should be enough to distract you from the elevation gain!

View from the Tent

 

DAY 3 - 7.3 km (4.5 miles)


The third day is slightly easier than day two but is longer. There is less elevation gain however it is the longest day of hiking, taking approximately 10 hours. The stunning scenery makes up for it as it is possibly the most beautiful day on the trek. The trail climbs up another pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca.  From here, we will go up the third and final pass of the day through the cloud forest to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, also known as Cloud-Level Town. From there we hike to our campsite at Winay Wayna, which means "Forever Young" in the ancient language of Quechua. 

 

Wiñay Wayna was built in the early or mid 15th century, along with other similar sites around Machu Picchu. It technically forms part of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu and was thought to be a site of religious and ceremonial importance. You Will visit Wiñay Wauna on day 3 when you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Wiñaywayna Archaeological Complex

 

DAY 4- 11 km (6.9 miles)


Enjoy an EARLY breakfast to see the sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu. You will hike the remaining 11 km (6.9 miles) taking 4 hours approximately, to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. You will pass through the Inti Punku, or “sun gate” entrance into Machu Picchu in the morning for a 2-hour guided tour.

 

The final day of the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is the shortest but most exhilarating. The trail passes through the Sun Gate, which offers the first awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu. This is a very early morning and many groups start hiking at 5 am to get to the Sun Gate for sunrise. The trail then drops down to the archaeological site, where you will have the opportunity to explore and learn all about Inca history.

The sundial in Machu Picchu

 

The Inca Trail trek is a relatively moderate hike. But when you combine the length with the high altitude it can be somewhat challenging.  Fortunately, the spectacular sights along the way will help to lessen the pain in your muscles. This unparalleled hike is on many people’s bucket lists, and is absolutely an experience you are going to remember for many years to come!

 

Although you’ll certainly see your share of spectacular scenery as you head from the mountains to the high cloud forest, this trek is particularly known for its rest breaks at a number of Inca archaeological sites. While you’ll be sharing the ancient pathway with other tourists, porters, cooks, and guides, you can still enjoy private moments to take in the scenery, and the history, of the magical Inca trail.

Inca Trail

 

Join us at Valencia Travel for an unforgettable Trek Along The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu....... Book here now! 


 

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