Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu 4D/3N

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHILCA – WAYLLABAMBA (L)(D)

We will pick you up in our bus from your hotel early in the morning to drive directly to the entrance point of Km 82, where we start our Inca Trail trek. It is a comfortable and roomy transport, about a 3 hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with a short stop in Ollantaytambo where we can buy some last minute items needed for the trek. It is necessary to check-in to the government control point with original passports, as all visitors to the Inca Trail are strictly controlled. Once past check-in, we cross the bridge and start about an hour of hiking following the trail along a flat terrain, stopping around Miskay (2800m/9184ft), for our first lunch and a short half hour break afterwards. We then ascend and finally see from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft. We will take a guided tour through the look-out of Llactapata, an archeological complex, and continue on our way through a small valley where we will end up in our first campsite at a village known as Wayllabamba, where after settling in for a bit you can relax and have a hot drink and snack or tea time.
Total distance: 12km (7.8 miles)
Estimated time: 4 – 5 hours
Low altitude: 2,600 m / 8530 ft
High altitude: 3000m / 9842 ft
Campsite altitude: 3000m / 9842 ft

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYO (B)(L)(D)

This is the hardest part of the Inca Trail, but not impossibly. We will wake you up with a hot cup of tea and then have a good breakfast to be ready for the day, where we ascend continually through an area full of vegetation and trees typical of the Andes known as Q’euña. The landscape will change as you approach the higher Andes mountains. Around half-way of our day’s trek we will arrive to Llulluchampampa after that we also cross an area of cloud forest, where we may see some deer, lamas and alpacas and maybe even an Andean bear, which we called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Omatus). This place is also habitat to a lot of different kinds of birds and hummingbirds, sparrows, etc.: a nice opportunity for birdwatching. On rare occasion, it is possible to see the real condor of the Andes. Once arrived the famous pass of Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) located at 4,200 m.a.s.l., the highest point of the Inca Trail, hikers will not only enjoy the incredible panoramic views but also have the satisfaction and proud feeling of having reached the top. After a break which is well stocked with chocolates, candies and some coca leaves that will help you to keep your energy, we make our way down to the second campsite by the beautiful valley of Pacaymayo (3500 meters) where we also take a later lunch and relax for the rest of the day.
Total distance: 10km (6.3 miles)
Estimated time: 7-8 hours
Low altitude: 3000m / 9842 ft
High altitude: 4,200m / 13,780 ft
Campsite altitude: 3500m / 11,482 ft

DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAY HUAYNA (B)(L)(D)

After our breakfast, we start to walk the longest part of the trail, and also considered the most beautiful by many. We cross a number of archaeological sites and a lush cloud forest area: so rich in Andean flora and fauna. After about a half hour we arrive to the Runcurakay Incan caves. We will notice the amazing micro climate change from dry and mountainous to semi- tropical and rainforest. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest and arrive to Sayacmarca (Town in a Steep Place). This Inca Site was built over rock overlooking the trail and is accessible only via a single narrow stone staircase. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals and the walls still stand strong. It is hard not to appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient work, easily noting the clear shape of the fortress, as we walk along paths semi-detached from the mountain, with rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, and walking through an Inca tunnel that is eight meters wide and long enough to allow humans and animals to pass through. As we walk we will have the opportunity to see the majesty of Salkantay Mountain, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Province of Cusco, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats we begin to make our way up to another important Incan place called Phuyupatamarka (Village in the Clouds) leading to where we will have lunch with a great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain, though the site itself is still hidden from view. After a beautiful time, we start out again in descent of more than 2000 steps that take us to Wiñay Huayna (Eternally Young), such a nice Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, where we have a guided tour of this historic site. This is where the route of the Inka Trail 4 Day Trek meets with the route of the Inca Trail 2 Day Trek. It is a meeting point located in a historically strategic place. Here is also where we will set-up our final campsite at (2,700meters).
Total distance: 17km (10 miles)
Estimated time: 8 -10 hours
Low altitude: 2,700m / 8,858 ft
High altitude: 3,900m / 12,795 ft (second pass Runcurakay)
Campsite altitude: 2,650m / 8,858 ft

DAY 4: WIÑAY HUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

After an early breakfast around 4.30am, we’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and we head out towards Machu Picchu. This will take an hour an half of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle arriving to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will look through the rectangular doorway gate of the sun and have a beautiful view of the majestic ancient city of Machu Picchu (located at 2400 m.a.s.l.). Demonstrating her splendor in a welcome to every visitor, this Incan temple is considered a world wonder thanks to the masterwork of architecture engineered to last many generations. We descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians and then arrive to the control where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. After the control point, we enter into the Incan city, starting with our 2 hour private professionally guided tour. Points of interest include the main plaza, Sacred Solar Clock (Sagrado Reloj Solar), Circular Tower, living quarters, temple of the Three Windows, cemeteries, etc. Later there will be free time to explore more, take photos, also visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge., and then catch the bus that heads down to Aguas Calientes town (2000m). Here you can visit and relax in the hot springs, or explore the town, and finally board the return train and transportation to your hotel in Cusco city.
Total distance: 6km (3.1 miles)
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Machupicchu: 2,400m / 7,874 ft
High altitude: 2,700m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate)
Low altitude: 2,000m / 6,561 ft ( Aguas Calientes town)

SHARING GROUP PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour that included maps related to the trek
Private transport to Km 82
Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus tickets to Machupicchu / Aguas Calientes
Tourist class train tickets Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo / Poroy (you can upgrade to vistadonme by request in advance)
Professional bilingual English / Spanish guide for all of Inca Trail
2 hour private guided tour within Machupicchu City.
Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
Porters carry your personal belongings (up to 8 pounds) at no extra cost!!
Cook, assistant Chef and Waiter
Support Staff or porters (carry all equipment such as tents, cooking gear, food, dining and kitchen tents, etc.)
Permits and entrance fees for our porters, Cook, assistant Chef, Waiter and Guide
Snacks handed out before each trek
Meals according to the program (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
Boiled water to refill water bottles for each day and for programmed tea-time
Camping equipment: Rainproof 3-season tents for 2, 3 or 4 people
Personal insulated camping sleep-mattresses
Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated)
Chemical portable bathrooms
First Aid kit and blood pressure gauge including emergency oxygen bottle available to use any time you require.
Transfer from train to Cusco hotel

THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Sleeping bag (we can rent quality down sleeping bags let us know in advance)
Extra porter (Extra porters available to carry up to 22 Pounds)
Entrance to Waynapicchu Mountain (book in advance if interested due to limited spaces)
Tips porters, Cook or guide (handle according to their Job)
Walking stick ( we can rent if needed)
Entrance tickets to hot springs

PRIVATE SERVICES PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour that included maps related to the trek
Private transport to Km 82
Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus tickets Machupicchu / Aguas Calientes
Tourist class train tickets Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo / Poroy (you can upgrade to vistadonme by request in advance)
Professional bilingual English / Spanish guide for all of Inca Trail
3 hour private guided tour within Machupicchu City.
Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
Porters carry your personal belongings (up to 16 pounds) at no extra cost!!
Cook, assistant Chef and Waiter
Support Staff or porters (carry all equipment such as tents, cooking gear, food, dining and kitchen tents, etc.)
Permits and entrance fees for our porters, Cook, assistant Chef, Waiter and Guide
Snacks handed out before each trek
Meals according to the program (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
Boiled water to refill water bottles for each day and for programmed tea-time
Camping equipment: Rainproof 3-season tents for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people
Duffel bags
Personal insulated camping sleep-mattresses
Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated)
Chemical portable bathrooms
First Aid kit and blood pressure gauge including emergency oxygen bottle available to use any time you require
Transfer from train to Cusco hotel

ROYAL CLASS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour that included maps related to the trek
Private transport to Km 82
Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus tickets Machupicchu / Aguas Calientes
Vistadonme first class train tickets Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo / Poroy (you can upgrade to Hiram Bingham by request in advance)
Professional bilingual English / Spanish guide for all of Inca Trail
3 hour private guided tour in Machupicchu City.
Physiotherapy and Masage during the Inca Trail
Extra Porters carry your personal belongings (up to 20 pounds) Cook, assistant Chef and Waiter
Support Staff or porters (carry all equipment such as tents, cooking gear, food, dining and kitchen tents, etc.) all kitchen equipment is used only once
Permits and entrance fees for our porters, Cook, assistant Chef, Waiter and Guide
Snacks handed out before each trek
Duffel Bags
Meals according to the program (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
Water bottles for each day and and for programmed tea-time
Camping equipment: Rainproof 3-season tents for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people
New Personal insulated camping sleep-mattresses
Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated)
Chemical portable bathrooms
First Aid kit and blood pressure gauge including emergency oxygen bottle available to use any time you require
Assistance and Transfer from train to Cusco hotel

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

Original Passport (for check-in to the trail),
Sleeping Bag (we can rent)
Back pack
Sun-Block
Mosquito repellent or insect repellent
Hiking shoes or boots
Flashlight or head-lamp
Walking sticks (we can rent)
Clothing for both cold and warm weather
Warm clothing and rainproof
Toque or warm hat, sunhat
Sunglasses
Disinfectant hand gel
Towel + toilet paper
Plastic poncho, rain coat or rainproof jacket
Plastic bag to cover backpack
Camera, with extra batteries
Plastic bag to cover camera
Small personal snacks (chocolate bars, granola bars, dried fruits, candies and nuts)
Extra spending money in Soles (for Hot Springs, drinks, tips, etc).
Water bottle
Personal medication

PRIVATE SERVICE:

Number of People You Book With Price per Person in US Dollars
1 people $2200 USD per person
2 people $1980 USD per person
3 people $1780 USD per person
4 people $1680 USD per person
5 – 6 people $1380 USD per person
7 – 8 people $1195 USD per person
9 – more people $990 USD per person

ROYAL CLASS SERVICE:

Number of People You Book With Price per Person in US Dollars
1 people $3900 USD per person
2 people $3620 USD per person
3 people $3320 USD per person
4 people $3150 USD per person
5 people $2952 USD per person
6 people $2750 USD per person
7 – more people $2450 USD per person

STUDENT DISCOUNT:

$40 off per person

Discounts:

Students: Those who have the ISIC card valid, in the event that you book under a student rate with this benefit, you will need to bring the original card (not a copy) to show it at the control points throughout the route.
Children: under 16 years (at the start of the Trek) pay the student rate, however they must show a copy of their passports.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

As you see in our Additional Items under Trip Overview, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Overview section for more details.
Upgrades

Huaynapicchu: $80 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $50 per person

Duration; 4days / 3Nights you can also upgrade one or two nights in Aguas Calientes town, please email us for pricing and itinerary.

HOW TO BOOK

It’s always a good idea to contact us directly and confirm with our team before your booking. Once you are ready, please fill in our Booking Form and pay the Deposit according your Invoice. Our office will email you back that day with your confirmation. We always send out confirmations, so if you don’t hear from us, check your spam or contact our offie and we will resend.

Rentals

Additional entrance to Machupicchu Circuit 3 US$60.00

Hiking poles pare – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$35.00
Bag Pack – US$45.00
Extra Porter USD210.00