Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu 4days / 3Nights

Summary

Cusco is Peru's main tourist destination and one of the most important in the Americas. Known by the Incas as the "Home of the Gods", Cusco became the capital of one of the largest pre-Columbian empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua means "Navel of the World". This magnificent Empire is famous for its road system (Qapacañan) that connected the capital Cusco with the places farthest away in the territories. Presently one of the most important attractions is just one of these routes, the famous Inca Trail.

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco - Wayllabamba

Between 7:00 and 7:30 am we pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community known as the 82nd kilometre of the Cusco - Machu Picchu rail road. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows on the north-east of the the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800 masl), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 masl). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first camp-site in the Wayllabamba Village (3000 masl) where we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge. On the opposite side of the Urubamba River we can see the impressive Veronica peak that reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. An unbelievable diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Day 02: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo

We wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most demanding part of the trek, an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), we see domesticated Lamas and Alpacas grazing on Ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like Sparrows and Hummingbirds besides the Andean Bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that, on this day specially, to stock your day pack with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with prevent altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 masl), where we camp after approximately 6h of hiking.

Day 03: Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna

This day is the most impressive but also the longest and most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site (located at 3800 masl) consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 masl). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing on an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Inca's ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multilevelled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. From Phuyupatamarca, meaning "town over the clouds", one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl). At this campsite we find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, a religious and an urban sector.

Day 04: Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and start climbing to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend towards Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the "House of the Guardians". We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where you can visit the hotsprings to relax after the 4 day walk. You will receive your trainticket to return to Cuzco where you will arrive at about 8.30 in the evening.

What is included:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to km.82 (starting point of the trail).
• Entrance tickets The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Professional Guide English speaking, maximum 9 persons per guide.
• Cook In charge of meal preparation.
• General porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
• Meals 3 Breakfasts / 3Lunches / 3 Dinners.
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
• Gear.
• Double occupancy tents.
• Rolling mattres.
• Dinner tent.
• Kitchen tent.
• Tables & seats.
• Table set.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

What is not included:

• Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated around 9.00pm, dinner being at your own expense too.
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the 4-day trek while you're awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is S/. 5.00 (about $1,60/ €1,20), Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping Bag.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.

What you need to bring and carry:

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters.
• Sleeping bag.
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
• Sun block.
• Insect repellent.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (ie. Micropur).
• Small towel.
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs).
• Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes).
• Original passport.
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required).

Optional services to be hired:

• An extra porter to carry your personal items: US$ 70.00 / 4 days. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people.
• An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose.
• If you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee.
• Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train).
• Sleeping Bag rent.

Available discounts:

• Students: (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age).

Other Details:

• Reserv 15 to 30 days before in order to check the availability.
• Book this Tour now.