We will begin our day very early to reach the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail trek. The mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).

So, the trek in the morning is rather physically intense for those who are not accustomed to the high altitude, yet it is also one of the most spectacular. In the first part of the hike of Machu Picchu, we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated. Until arriving at the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.

Meanwhile, on our ascent, the habitat will begin to change as we enter the inter-Andean forest full of Unca trees. After that, two hours later we will arrive at another campsite, Llulluchapampa. Where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks.

From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca, the highest point of the trek. A fantastic opportunity for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below. Subsequently, we will descend a few hours to our final campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.

Subsequently, we will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the archaeological site of Runkurakay. Which was in ancient times a “tambo”, or type of resting lodge for ancient pilgrims. Another 45-minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail trek, Runkurakay. After which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location.

On the other hand, after a thorough visit, we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha. From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a marvelous display of Nature’s beauty.

Here the hiking Machu Picchu continues a narrow ridge until arriving at the pass of Phuyupatamarka. A natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks.

Subsequently, from here we will descend to our last campsite. Passing a very important archaeological site and temple designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.

We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Peru Inca trail, which brings us to “Inti Punku”. Or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. Most importantly, the trail here is fairly easygoing. An awesome location to observe Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, it will be the best time to hike Machu Picchu.

Afterward, a 45-minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu. A natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. So, here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour.

To clarify, the tour will last approximately 2 hours. The climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is optional (at an extra cost and must be booked in advance). Consequently, in the afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and receive your train tickets for the return journey to Cusco. The train will arrive at Ollantaytambo where our Staff will pick you up to complete the rest of your ride by bus back to your hotel in Cusco.

OPTIONAL FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TREK:

Certainly, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu (Machu Pichu elevation 2400 m). This way you may visit the local hot springs which can be a treat after your 4 days of Inca trail trek.

Certainly, It is strongly recommended to book your Classic Inca Trail trek at least 6 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out. Last year the demand was extremely high, and demand is projected to rise even more.

Above all, Inkayni Peru Tours offers daily departures on the Classic Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed).

Likewise, since 2000 the Classic Inca trail tours has been regulated by the country of Peru. This has provided many wonderful things, like clean trails and camping sites. But it has also limited the number of people on the trail each day. Now only 500 people are permitted on the trail every morning – this includes hikers, guides, porters, and cooks.

For instance, Inkayni Peru Tours will create amazing expeditions to Machu Picchu

With great guides, chefs, and unmatchable, unstoppable Porters. Above all, the best equipment tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and pillows.

If your date is not available, look beyond to see that there are many wonderful alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Just as beautiful as the Classic Inca trail trek and not as crowded!

• 02 Day short Inca Trail
• 03 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
• 04 Day Lares Trek
• 04 Day Inca Jungle Adventure
• 05 Day Salkantay Trek

We recommend it as soon as possible!! This is a famous route ” classic Inca trail trek” in high-demand. And because the government has restricted access and applied daily limits (200 hikers & 300 porters/staff per day). Due to these factors, we urge you to make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

What month should I book the Inca trail 4 days?

If you plan to travel between the months of April – September, you best make your reservation 06 months before your departure date.

Moreover, between the months of October – January, it is possible to make a reservation from 03 to 04 months in advance.

Once your reservation for the classic Inca trail has been confirmed through our website or a sales agent. A deposit fee of 40% of the trip cost must be made to confirm your trek. Deposits must be made through PayPal (quickest and preferred method), Western Union, or bank transfer.

How do I cancel the rest of the payment?

Above all, the remaining balance must be paid in our office in Cusco for AT LEAST 48 hours. Before your trekking departure date, before 7:30 pm.

That is to say, the remaining balance must be paid in cash (US$ dollars or Peruvian Soles). When we confirm your trekking reservation, we will send you the details on how to make the deposit for your trip. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit is used to purchase your inca trail permits and reserve your space. After having made this purchase by sending your information to the government, NO adjustments or changes can be made (dates, names, personal data, etc.) to the reservation.

All our treks (Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy, and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization.

How far in advance should I acclimatize for the 4 days Inca trail?

This means arriving in Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to the altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek, we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

There are NO government restrictions regarding the age limit for classic Inca Trail. However, as a responsible Tour Agency, we will only accept reservations for children 7 or younger if the parents assume full responsibility for them during the trek. *For families with children, we highly suggest booking a private tour to make your experience more comfortable*

What about minors and seniors for the classic Inca Trail?

All children below the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

We require all trekkers age 60 or above to hire an additional porter (12kg) for their convenience.

In addition, Trekkers age 65 + must consult with their physician before booking and also before traveling to verify health conditions for participating in a high altitude multi-day trek.

We also suggest that all medical or doctor recommendations be acknowledged, even if this means canceling your travel plans. All clients 60 years of age or above arrive in Cusco at least 03 days before your trekking date to adjust to the altitude.

To clarify, The clients age 55 + speak in advance with their physician to consult the best way to plan your trek and inquire that your travel insurance covers activities such as adventure. We will require a medical file confirming a good state of health and NO cardiac problems.

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation for the classic inca trail hike, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

In short, Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken, or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

What will the meals be like during the Inca trail 4 days?

Most of our main meals are buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

Similarly, We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

Certainly, Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation for the classic Inca trail.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of an emergency.

However, If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CAN NOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

We require that all clients arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your classic Inca trail, although 03 nights before is ideal. Certainly, You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin their trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

What are the office hours?

Certainly, Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The classic inca trail is full of steep ascents and steep drops on narrow Inka stairs. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees. *Inkayni Peru Tours and the INC (National Culture Institute) asks that you not use metal-tipped poles that will damage the trail.*

In addition, Inkayni Peru Tours will rent hiking sticks for $15

Can I leave my belongings in your office?

On the other hand, any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

Remember that group service includes a personal porter to carry your things up to 05 kg / 11.02 lb for your classic inca trail. Before the start of your trek we will provide you with a duffle bag to bring your basic necessities, such as; sleeping bag (average 2,5 kg), and extra clothing (average 2,5 kg). Do not forget that your porter will not be hiking at your side during the trek. Which means you will still need to carry a daypack to have your personal things on-hand throughout the day, such as drinking water, snacks, camera, fleece, and raincoat.

a) GOOD WAGES:

As a responsible tour agency of classic inca trail, we pay our porters a salary of 210 Soles for the 4-day trek. AND their transportation expenses (nearly 20% above the legal minimum salary, making Inkayni one of the best trekking agencies in Cusco).

However, all agencies in Cusco should pay this amount, yet sadly, to this day there are many agencies not even paying the minimum legal salary.

b) APPROPRIATE WEIGHT LIMIT:

Within the basic policies of Inkayni Peru Tours is respect for all staff, which means not exceeding weight limits.

This factor is extremely important when choosing a travel agency for trekking.

Unfortunately, there are many irresponsible companies (even big-name commercial companies that have often grown due to labor exploitation). That force porters to carry well over 25 kg and disrespect their rights.

For this reason, Inkayni Peru tours will not offer you a private bathroom, hot showers, or a personal porter that will carry more than 5kg. This may exceed weight limits for our porters.

We kindly ask that before you choose a company for your trek that offers you these luxury services you consider the extra weight that will be on the shoulders of your porters.

c) INSURANCE:

Above all, Inkayni Peru Tours is one of the few companies that offer insurance for our porters.

d) TREKKING UNIFORMS:

Inkayni Peru Tours offers proper attire for all our staff of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

The best time for making the classic Inca trail with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

When is the rainy season in Cusco?

Likewise, January to March is summer in Peru, which means the rainy season for Cusco. And especially the classic inca trail which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Many new outhouses have been added throughout the classic inca trail, mostly in the main designated campsites. This has greatly improved the sanitary conditions of the Trail, yet still, the situation is not always perfect. All outhouses have cold running water. We recommend you bring a hand-disinfectant for use after visiting the public outhouses. Before each meal, we will provide you with hot water and soap for washing.

Inkayni Perú Tours will provide you with boiled water after each meal-time, starting with lunch on the second day (02).

Can I buy bottled water during the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Before this, you may purchase bottled water from small local ‘shops’ located outside local homes, offering water, gatorade, or soda. Above all, It is recommended that each person drink at least 02 to 03 liters of water each day.

You will also find small streams, or water on tap roughly every 2 hours along the classic inca trail. Where you may fill your bottle, provided you have a proper filtration/purification system. Water in the Andes is generally clean, but even though it may appear pure, you still must use a purification method for it to become safely potable.

Most importantly, Please consider the environment when you decide to travel and make a trek. Everyday technology is improving to make our lives easier and avoid trash. Bring a purification system or bottle (such as UV light) to avoid buying bottled water.

On the other hand, if you are traveling alone and are open to sharing a tent, perhaps with someone of the same sex, there will be no additional cost. NOTE that if you wish to have a private tent, there is an additional cost of US $40.

Likewise, Wiñay Wayna is the closest campsite to Machu Picchu, making it the favorite site for everyone. Camping at Wiñay Wayna allows groups to arrive very early in the morning to the Sun Gate. Unfortunately, there is not much space available at this site for all groups on the classic inca trail. The second closest campsite known as Phuyupatamarca is still a 5-hour hike to Machu Picchu.

What if we can’t camp at Wiñay Wayna on the Inca Trail 4 days?

When trekking permits are purchased, the government is responsible for assigning campsites to groups.

Therefore, Inkayni has the reputation of finalizing group reservations and obtaining permits well before other companies. Which means we often have the blessing of camping at Wiñay Wayna the majority of our treks. Between 2014 – 2019 we camped at Wiñay Wayna 99% of the time.

For instance, One group in all of 2015 could not camp at Wiñay Wayna, so they decided to arrive at Machu Picchu on the third day. Sleep in Aguas Calientes, and return to Machu Picchu the 4th morning for sunrise. All of 2016 had us at Wiñay Wayna for our groups on classic inca trail.

In short, We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing. We will also leave you at your hotel at the end of classic inca trail trek.

Certainly, If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo, or the whole route to Poroy). Or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs of classic inca trail.