ITINERARY

DAY 01: «INCA TRAIL» CUSCO – HUAYLLABAMBA

Estimated hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Total distance: 12 KM

Campsite altitude: 3,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 02: «INCA TRAIL» HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO

Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours

Total distance: 11 KM

Campsite altitude: 3,620 m.a.s.l

DAY 03: «INCA TRAIL» PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWAYNA

Estimated hiking time: 7 to 8 hours

Total distance: 16 KM

Campsite altitude: 2,700 m.a.s.l.

DAY 04: «INCA TRAIL» WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Estimated hiking time: 3 hours

Total distance: 5 KM

Campsite altitude: 2,430 m.a.s.l.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01: CUSCO – KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA «INCA TRAIL»

To begin to learn about the Inca Trail history and the tour, we start with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, at approximately 06:00 a.m. We will head to the trailhead (KM 82) in our private transfer, and will pass through the towns of: Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. The first section of the hiking circuit will take place along the Urubamba River with excellent views of the Veronica snow-capped mountain (5,900 m.a.s.l.), and will include a short visit to the archaeological site of Llactapata. From Llactapata site, we will continue through the Cusi Chaca River valley to the town of Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l.) where we will camp for the night.

Meals: lunch, tea-time & dinner

Accommodation: camping

Difficulty level: moderate

Weather: Warm & windy

DAY 02: HUAYLLABAMBA –WARMIWAÑUSCA MOUNTAIN PASS– PACAYMAYO «INCA TRAIL»

After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our hike along the Inkatrail towards one of its most beautiful spots, the Warmiwañusca Mountain Pass (4,200 m.a.s.l.). We will hike this section slowly to better acclimate along the gently ascending terrain. We will also hike along and through lush Queñua forests. Our first official stop before reaching the pass will be at Llulluchapampa (3,750 m.a.s.l.), where we will get to enjoy some views of the surrounding landscapes and the Inca Trail history. We will continue towards the mountain pass for better and higher views of the Inca Trail.

After the mountain pass, we will continue along gradually descending terrain towards our campsite in Pacaymayo. This campsite is in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,620 m.a.s.l. This section of the Inca Trail will impress you with its beauty and complex construction, a testament to the Inca Trail history. You will have sometime in the afternoon to further explore the surrounding areas and archeological site.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, tea-time & dinner

Accommodation: camping

Difficulty level: challenging

Weather: Cold & rainy

DAY 03: PACAYMAYO – RUNKURAKAY – SAYACMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA

Today will be one of the most memorable days of your hike along the Inca trail. Our first visit will be to the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3,670 m.a.s.l.). Here, we will be rewarded by the splendid views of the towering mountain ranges and deep valley below.

Continuing with the Inkatrail tour, we will proceed towards the next mountain pass named Runkurakay, located at 3,800 m.a.s.l. and towards the next archaeological sites of Sayacmarca, Phuyutamarca and Wiñaywayna. This section of the trail will be along an original white granite path built by the Incas.  We will pass through lush vegetation and admire the complexity of the balance between what was done by man and nature, thus forming part of the Inca Trail history today. Our lunch spot will be before our day’s campsite near the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2,700 m.a.s.l.).

Meals: breakfast, lunch, tea-time & dinner

Accommodation: camping

Difficulty level: challenging

Weather: warm & humid

DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA – INTI PUNKU – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Continuing with the Inca Trail history, today we will start early to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and ticket control as soon as it opens. We will begin hiking by no later than 05:00 a.m. and will wave our last good-bye to the team of porters, who will make their way back to Cusco with all the camping equipment no longer required.

Our hike to the Sun Gate will be through dense brow of jungle vegetation, a perfect set up for the unbeatable panoramic views of Machu Picchu to be seen from the Sun Gate.

From the Inti Punku, we will descend toward the citadel for our guided tour of approximately 2 hours.The guided tour will take you through the designated visiting circuits of Machu Picchu and will have you visiting some of the most iconic temples and paths in the Inca Trail history. After the tour you will have some free time to explore on your own.

After your well-deserved visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and the Inca Trail history, we will make our way to the town of Aguas Calientes. To do so, we will take the buses available. Once in Aguas Calientes, we will have time to grab lunch (not included) before boarding your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Your return to Cusco will be by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and by car from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Your estimated arrival time in Cusco will be between 20:00 hrs to 20:30 hrs and our team will make sure to drop you off at your hotel accommodation respectively.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: none

Difficulty level: easy

Weather: warm & humid

Included:

• Briefing at your hotel in Cusco, It will be done the night before your trek at 6:00pm.
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private Transfer to KM 82, starting point of the tour.
• English and Spanish speaking professional tour guide.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary.
• All camping equipment: Tents of 2 people capacity used by only two people with enough spaces for your belongings, Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
• Private toilet tent, with a portable toilet seat “this toilet will be only for our group.
• Porters to carry all the equipment, tents, food, cooking equipment, tents and restaurants
• Permits and tickets for our porters and cooks.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 appetizers, 3 lunches and 3 dinners. All these meals are prepared by our cook and his assistant
• Coca tea is served every morning in your tent.
• Boiled water after breakfast and lunch, to refill your water bottles (1 liter per person)
• Lunch with hot drinks like coca, tea and coffee.
• Appetizers or snacks each morning.
• Oxygen and first aid kit.
• Vegetarian and special diets request.
• 2 hours Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Expedition Train to return to Ollantaytambo and then by private car to Cusco.
• Sleeping bags for all the trek that are usable in  -15° C / 5° F.
• Thick Comfortable Foam Mattresses.
• Duffel bag for your personal belongings.
• Extra porter to carry your duffel bag “7 kilograms per person” (you will need only a day backpack to carry what you will need during day)
• Pillow and Rain Ponchos.
• Hiking poles (02 poles for each person).
• Full assistance during the 04 days

Not Included:

• First breakfast and last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and  have the last lunch in a restourant at Aguas Calientes town  after the tour of Machu Picchu.
• Gratuities for the porters and cook.

What To Bring

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”
• Student card with current date (if you book the tour as student).
• Carry hiking boots and sandals (very important).
• Coats: layers of varying temperatures, especially at night. Thermal / gloves / scarves: woolen socks / woolen hat for cold nights, shirts for the whole trek
• Headlamp (very important)
• Carry a camera and extra batteries.
• Carry sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Carry personal medical kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Carry rain gear: a good raincoat and rain pants.
• Carry a toilet paper.
• Carry a small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and gratuities, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
• Carry a water canteen bottle (recommended 1 liter).

PACKING LIST

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and mattress (these two items weigh around 3.5 kg.)

• 2-3 long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of underwear.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Small Quick Dry towel.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag (We will provide you on the briefing time).

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACK:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to boil water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (Phone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs

IMPORTANT

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm at your hotel “Any locationin Cusco City”

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please pack what you will need for the trek!

FOR BOOKING THE TOUR

We require a deposit of the 30% of the total cost per each person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail.  You can make you deposit by VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The balance has to be pay in cash the date and time of the briefing. (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles). We have many ATMs within the historical center of Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately Once permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to adjust to the different climates.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general, if you excerise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is to drink a lot of WATER and COCA TEA.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 8 porters, 8 trekkers will have 10 porters.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACK PACK

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?

Along the inca trail to Machu Picchu, in all the camping sites and lunch points you will find our private flushing toilets.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Peru” toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
You will also find there sinks and water pipes to wash your hands after you use the facilities.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, we will assist you to go to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?

Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 4:22pm (Expedition or Inca Rail Train).

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is
appreciated. While it may not be customary, it’s of great significance for the people who will take
care of you during the trek. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your
perception of the quality and the length of your trip.

ONLINE PAYMENTS via PAYPAL or VISA

To make a payment through the Paypal system, click on the following button, and complete the data to carry out your operation, if you have any questions about the payment methods, you can contact us in the inquiry form.