07 Day – Trek to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail
Easy
These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.
Mild
A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a little more physical effort but are still 100% manageable to anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. Terrain is generally flat but with possible gentle up- and downhills.
Moderate
Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. Terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently-traveled sections.
Challenging
“Challenging” treks or tours require that you are acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You will need to be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train at least some beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. Terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills and often not highly traveled. Generally, these last several hours.
Formidable
These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult treks and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. It is necessary to be in pristine physical condition. Again, you must be acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more if possible at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these last at least an entire day in infrequently-traveled areas with rough paths.
Highlights
07 Day – Trek to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail
Trek to Machu Picchu through the Inka Trail ideal for combining culture, nature and living traditions. One of our most popular trips of the region. A unique experience Peru’s number one trek and one of the most well-known and popular treks in the world. Offering 4 days of trekking along original paved Inca pathways, a variety of fascinating Inca sites and the beautiful scenery of the Machu Picchu national park the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life. Be you young or old, in good shape or bad, the Inca Trail is for everyone and is a must do if you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO, INKA MUSEUM AND KORICANCHA
Shuttle from the airport to hotel. The rest of the morning will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). In the afternoon we will visit the Inka Museum, home of thousands of years of Andean culture. Here we will become more familiar with the origens and beginnings of Andean civilizations.
Continuing with the tour we will move onto the temple of Koricancha, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo, that was and still remains the pinaccle of organization, architecture, and religion of Inka civilization. During its construction they had already achieved the greatest advances of their time, and this temple may have been the exact representation of the center, or “Navel of the World” and therefore the center of the world, as dictated by the pre-hispanic Andean cosmovision.
Lodging: Cusco Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 2: FREE DAY- OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Free day to explore the old capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary navel of the world. Colonial churches, mutiple parks and squares, and colonial mansions built atop perfectly constructed original Inca walls. Artesian stores full of souvenirs of all kinds – weavings, jewelry, stonework and more! And of course, local restaurants with the best of Andean cuisine!. These are our optional activities:
1.- SACRED VALLEY US$ 75 PER PERSON.
Places that are visited:
- Chinchero.
- Textile Center in Chinchero
- Ollantaytambo.
- Pisaq.
- Pisaq Market.
2.- CHINCHERO-MARAS-MORAY US$ 65 PER PERSON.
Places that are visited:
- Moray
- Maras (Salt Mines)
- Chinchero
- Textile Center in Chinchero.
Lodging: Cusco Tandapata Boutique Hotel*** or similar.
DAY 3 TO 6: 4 DAY INKA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The Inka trail to Machupicchu, the last dwelling of the Incas, is undoubtedly the most fascinating and spectacular route in the Peruvian Andes, especially in Cusco, the navel of the world in Inca times. This ancestral roadway is not only filled with unique archaelogical sites, but also combines an extense sacred geography home to a beautifully biodiverse flora and fauna. In Inca times this sacred road was reserved only for select and well-prepared individuals, on their way to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The 4 Days, 3 Nights 43Km Trail itinerary is as follows:
DAY 3: FIRST DAY TREK: PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (12KM)
After breakfast we will travel to the starting location of the trail, known as kilometer 82. This first day is relatively easy going and smooth as we move along visiting ruins such as the city of Patallacta. This ruin, constructed at the foot of a mountain, was a very important center that had administrative, economic, and religious functions. We will also visit Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta.
After visiting these two sites we will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca (“happy bridge”) River, also observing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaelogical sites. Continuing our gradual walk upward we will arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.
Lodging: Campsite
DAY 4: SECOND DAY TREK: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11KM)
We will begin our day very early to reach at the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).
The trek in the morning is rather physically intense, more so for those who are not accostumed to hikes in this altitude, yet it is alsoone of the most spectacular. The first part of the trail we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.
Continuing on our ascent, the habitat will begin to change as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees, unique to this area. Two hours later we will arrive to 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 at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, a great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, before descending a few hours to our next campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.
Lodging: Campsite
DAY 5: THIRD DAY TREK: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (15KM)
We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the arhcaelogical site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain, that was in ancient times a tambo, or resting place. Another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 ft), after which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. 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 maravillous display of Nature’s beauty. Here the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. 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, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.
Lodging: Campsite
DAY 6: FOURTH DAY TREK: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5KM)
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise in the Andes.
Afterwards, 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. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. The tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours, then you will have time to explore the citadel by yourselves and you can also climb the Huayna Picchu moutain (at an extra cost and have to be booked in advance). In the afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch, then return to Cusco by train.
Lodging: Cusco Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 7: WALKING TOUR- FLY TO LIMA.
Free morning to relax or walking tour. The walking tour will visit the following places:
- Plaza de Armas / Main Plaza, which is home to the main cathedral and colonial houses
- San Blas neighborhood
- The twelve angle stone
- San Pedro local market
This afternoon transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima
What's Included
INCLUDES BEFORE THE INCA TRAIL:
- All transfers.
- All breakfast included in the accommodations
- All transportation.
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- All entrances fee.
- 03 night’s accommodations in 3 stars hotels (Based in double occupation)
INCLUDES FOR THE INCA TRAIL:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by touristic bus to Km82
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first Day of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks (happy hour) and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Inflatable sleeping mattress -(you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$25
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain $85
- Tips.
- Extra Personal porter ,US$80 for carrying for personal items for 5 kg.
- Single Supplement (US $250 for accommodation and tent).
- International and intra flights.
- Meals where are not stated
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Original Passport
- Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
Availability
| PLAN AHEAD AND BOOK EARLY YOUR INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU FOR 2019 |
| Now is your chance to book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 2019 and take advantage of our offer to pay this years prices! Choose your preferred travel dates and book now! |
Extra Services?
| SERVICE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Hire of sleeping bag 5 season | $25.00 |
| Walking stick highly recommended! | $15.00 |
| Single supplement | $250.00 |
| Additional porter for 5 kg. | $80.00 |
| Additional night at 3 star hotel | $85.00 |
