Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is like reliving the grand passage of the Incas as you follow their historic route and enjoy the beautiful archaeological groups along the way, as well as a mega diversity of ecology that you will find well-conserved from times long past. This famous world trek, and one of the most visited hiking routes in South America, is sought after by adventurers the world-over. Finally, finish your hike in the magical and impressive Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Trip Overview
- Code: ISA ÑAN -15
- Type: Trekking, Adventure,History, Archaeological, Cultural and Natural
- Sites of Visit: Pisac, Ollantaytambo,Wayllabamba, Runcurakay, Sayacmarca, Inca Tunnel, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku & Machu Picchu
Months of Operation: March to January - Private Departures: Any Day
- (B)=Breakfast/(L)=Lunch/(D)=Dinner
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY TOUR (L)
We pick you up after breakfast in our touristic transport between 8:20am – 8:30am and head out to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With great views of the Taray village, snow-capped Veronica Mountain and more of the beautiful Valleys along the way, it is an impressive start to the day. Arriving to Pisac community, we will tour a typical hand-craft market, which was long-ago known as the place to interchange products for many villages in the area. Later, we take a guided tour of the ruins of Pisac, and then continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch. Continuing on our adventure, we stop in Ollantaytambo to see the impressive Incan archaeological complex which includes a unique architecture similar to the Tiahuanaco culture from the South of Peru. Finally return to Urubamba and spend the night in the beautiful Mabey Hotel.
DAY 2: CUSCO – CHILCA – WAYLLABAMBA (L)(D)
We will pick you up in our bus from your hotel around 7:00am in the morning to drive directly to the entrance point of Km 82, Piskacucho, 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 until the tallest part of an overlook, with an impressive view of the Inca city of Llactapata (2650m / 8692ft). Here we will also have a tour of the look-out of Llactapata, an archeological complex, before continuing on our way through a small valley where we will end up in our first campsite at a village known as Wayllabamba.
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 3: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYO (B)(L)(D)
Before starting the hardest part of the trail, we will start the day with a hot cup of tea and then a good breakfast to be ready for the day, afterwards ascending continually through an area full of vegetation and trees typical of the Andes known as Q’euña. 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 Andean bear which we called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Omatus). And for birdwatchers, a great place to see a variety of birds and hummingbirds, sparrows, etc, and sometimes even a glimpse of the Andean condor. 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 pride of having reached the top. After a break well stocked with chocolates, candies and some coca leaves, we make our way down to the second campsite through the pretty Pacaymayo Valley (to 3500 meters above sea level). Here 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 4: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAY HUAYNA (B)(L)(D)
After our breakfast, we start walk the longest, but a most beautiful, part of the trai. Here we will pass through a number of archaeological, lush cloud forest area, and rich Andean flora and fauna. After about a half hour we arrive to the Runcurakay Incan caves, consisting of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. We then continue in ascent to the second smallest 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 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 is a beautiful site made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals and strong walls in the shape of the fortress. It´s easy 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 steep Andean geography. 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 short rest, we start out again in descent of more than 2000 steps that take us to Wiñay Huayna (Eternally Young), where we take a guided tour of this neat Inca complex made up of an agricultural center, numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. 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 strategic place that has always withstood earthquakes, and 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 5: WIÑAY HUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)
After an early breakfast around 4.30am, we’ll say goodbye to our team of porters and chef and head out towards Machu Picchu, with the anticipation of a day considered the most exciting and magical. After about an hour and half of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle, we arrive to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we can look through the rectangular doorway to take in 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 the found Lost City, 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 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 (Torre Circular) 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). If you like, you can visit and relax in the hot springs before boarding 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)
INCLUDED/ NOT INCLUDED
THIS 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
- Sacred Valley Tour includes transport, guide, and entrance to Pisac and Ollantaytambo sites.
- Buffet Lunch in Urubamba first day
- 1 night in Urubamba Mabey Hotel 3 star
- 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 (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!!
- Dining and Kitchen Ten
- Cook, assistant Chef and Waiter
- Support Staff or porters (carry all equipment such as tents, cooking gear, food, 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
- Boiled water to refill water bottles for each day
- Wake-up tea-time each morning
- Camping equipment: Rainproof 3-season tents for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people
- Personal insulated camping sleep-mattresses
- Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated)
- Water filters for the Inca Trail also boiled water to fill your bottles in the morning and night, and if required, at lunchtime
- 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:
- Dinner after Sacred Valley Tour
- 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
RECOMMENDATIONS
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
PRICE
GROUP SERVICE PRICE:
Sale $ 750.00 USD
Regular Price: $795 USD
PRIVATE SERVICE:
| Number of People You Book With | Price per Person in US Dollars |
| 1 people | $2150 USD per person |
| 2 people | $1690 USD per person |
| 3 people | $1390 USD per person |
| 4 people | $1250 USD per person |
| 5 – 6 people | $1120 USD per person |
| 7 – 8 people | $965 USD per person |
| 9 – more people | $895 USD per person |
STUDENT DISCOUNT:
$35 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): $40 per person
HOTEL INCLUDED:
Ccapac Inka Ollanta (or similar)
This is a 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 Ollantaytambo will not be quite as good as Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, but we can work with most hotels in the Sacred Valley.
Pakaritampu Hotel: $ 55 US pp shared ($110 for a single)
Casa Andina Private Collections : $ 85 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$20.00
- Sleeping bag – US$35.00
- Bag Pack – US$35.00
- Extra Porter USD160.00









