Inca Trail Trek Private 5D/4N

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTA – LLAQTAPATA (L) (D)

We will pick you up in our touristic bus from your hotel in the morning around 07.00am driving through the Sacred Valley, with a stop in Ollantaytambo. Here we take a short guided walk through the antique streets of the Inca city, and can see up-close evidence of the historic changes that took place here, where original Inca construction and walls were once built over by colonial Spanish constructions. According to investigations, this ancient village has the design of a corn stock, designed in gratitude to the large production of white corn in the area.
The team will have time to buy some last minute items needed for the trek, and then we will continue travelling in our comfortable and roomy transport, directly to the entrance point of Km 82, Piskacucho, where we start our Inca Trail trek.
It is necessary to check-in at 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 peak of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft), also we will have the honor of a short guided tour into the Llactapata archeological complex. Afterwards, we make camp close to this beautiful place, a place that once functioned as the control point for the Incas who visited Machu Picchu.
Total distance: 8km
Estimated time: 4 hours
Low altitude: 2,600 m / 8530 ft
High altitude: 2,650m / 8692 ft
Campsite altitude: 2650m / 8692 ft

DAY 2: LLAQTAPATA  – LLULLUCHAPAMPA (B)(L)(D)

After a nice sleep, we will get the day started with a hot cup of tea and then a good breakfast to be ready for the day, and continue on our way through a small valley where we will end up in the first village known as Wayllabamba. After, we will ascend continually through an area full of vegetation and trees typical of the Andes known as Q’euña until Yuncachimpa where our lunch will be waiting.  After settling in for a bit to relax, eat and hydrate, we continue on along with the great landscape of the high mountain Andes until Llulluchampampa. Here  we can see the famous pass of Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) located at 4, 200 m.a.s.l., the highest point of the Inca Trail. This is where we will make camp for the night, a very beautiful place, where we may see some deers, lamas and alpacas and Andean bear, known as the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Omatus). This area is also habitat for a wide variety of birds and hummingbirds, sparrows, etc., a nice opportunity for birdwatching. On rare occasions it is possible to see the real Andean condor.
Total distance: 12km
Estimated time: 7-8 hours
Low altitude: 2650m / 8692 ft
High altitude: 3,850m / 12,589 ft
Campsite altitude: 3850m / 12,589 ft

DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – RUNCURAKAY – SAYACMARCA – PHUYUPATAMARKA (B)(L)(D)

After our breakfast, we start walking on what some deem the most beautiful days on the Inca Trail. Upon arrival to the famous pass of Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) located at the highest point of the Inca Trail (4, 200 m.a.s.l), hikers will not only enjoy the incredible panoramic views but also have the satisfaction and proud feeling of having reached the top.  After a well deserved break including chocolates, candies and some coca leaves to help you keep your energy, we make our way down the Pacaymayo valley (3500 meters).  Here we can see a number of archaeological sites and cross through the lush cloud forest area, rich in Andean flora and fauna. We will then arrive to the Runcurakay Incan caves, consisting of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower, then continue in ascent to the second small Inca Trail pass, located at 3,900 meters ( 12,795 ft) where it is easy to notice the amazing micro climate change from dry and mountainous to semi- tropical 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’s hard not to appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient work, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography, including 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 make our last campsite.
Total distance: 15km (9.1 miles)
Estimated time: 8 -9 hours
Low altitude: 3,500m / 11,480 ft
High altitude: 3,900m / 12,795 ft (second pass Runcurakay
Campsite altitude: 3,600m / 8,858 ft

DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAY HUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES (B)(L)

After a nice breakfast with great views overlooking the Urubamba River, as we head down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain! (Though the site itself is still hidden from view. We will start a descent of more than 2000 steps on a trail that take us to Wiñay Huayna (Eternally Young), an Inca site 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 place. This is where the route of the Inka Trail 4 Day Trek meets with the route of the Inca Trail 2 Day Trek.  Here we will have our last lunch and, we’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and head on towards Machu Picchu. This will take about an hour and a half of hiking along a trail of flat stones in highland jungle arriving to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will look through the rectangular doorway with 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 to catch the bus that heads down to Aguas Calientes town (2000m), to spend the night in registered hotels.
Total distance: 9km
Estimated time: 5 – 7 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

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU  (B)

After breakfast provided in hotel, we walk to the bus station to take the bus back up the mountain to the Machu Picchu entrance (about 30 minutes and 400 meters above the Aguas Calientes town). This is a great opportunity to catch the early morning sunrise. After the control point, we enter into the Incan city, starting with our 2 hour private professionally guided tour of the citadel which includes visiting the main plaza, Circular Tower (Torre Circular), Sacred Solar Clock (Sagrado Reloj Solar), the Sacred Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. Later there will be free time to explore more, take photos, visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. When this magnificent tour ends, we then catch the bus that heads back down to Aguas Calientes town (2000m), with time to explore the village, or relax in the hot springs and finally board the return train and transportation to your hotel in Cusco city.

THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour. – 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/ Poroy
• Professional bilingual English / Spanish guide for all of the Inca Trail
• Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
• Cook, assistant chef and porters (carry all equipment such as dining and cooking tents, cooking gear, food, etc.)
• Snacks handed out before each trek
• Meals according to the program (can include Vegetarian, or other accomodations)
• 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
• Personal insulated camping mattresses
• Chemical portable bathrooms
• First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
• 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes town, includes breakfast
• Second bus tickets Aguas Calientes /Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes
• 2 hour private guided tour by your English speaking tour guide (plenty of free time to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own)
• 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 for porters, Cook or guide
• Walking stick ( we can rent if needed)
• Entrance tickets to Hot Springs

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

FOR GROUP SERVICE  ( Minimun 5 People):

Sale $ 860.00 USD

PRIVATE SERVICE:

STUDENT DISCOUNT:

$35 off per person

Discounts:

1. 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.
2. Children: under 16 years old (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): $40 per person

HOTEL INCLUDED:

Waman Hotel or Hatun Inti Classic (or similar)
This is a 3 star hotel and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial or triple. There is a single room surcharge if you are booking alone of $30 US per person. Rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something a little fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes will not be quite as good as Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, but we can work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.

Casa Andina: $40 US pp shared ($110 for a single)
Casa del Sol: $60 US pp shared ($150 for a single)

Tierra Viva: +$60 US pp shared (+$150 for a single)
El Mapi: +$70 US pp shared (+$170 for a single)

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

• Hiking poles pare – US$25.00
• Sleeping bag – US$40.00
• Bag Pack – US$40.00
• Extra Porter USD180.00