INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 5D/4N

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – MISKAY – LLACTAPATA – LLUNCACHIMPA

For the Inca Trail to Machupicchu tour, at 6:30 am – you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco. You get on our private vehicle to be taken to the town of Ollantaytambo. On the way, you can see the plateau of Chinchero having colorful and large agricultural fields. At Ollantaytambo, you are given breakfast to later continue till the so-called Km 82 (2,700 m/8,858 ft). At this trailhead and checkpoint of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you join your Cook and Porters who help you to have a pleasurable trip. We pass through control and we perform a small ceremony afterward. Then, we start trekking. The first two hours are relatively easy.

We reach a small native village at Miskay (2,660 m/8,727 ft), where our experienced Cook prepares us lunch. After that, we continue trekking towards the archeological formation of Llactapata. We receive a guided visit to this place that used to serve agricultural purposes.  Later on, we keep walking through the beautiful valley of Wayllabamba (3,000 m/9,843 ft). Finally, we get (in 2 and half an hour) to the area of our first camping at Lluncachimpa (3,300/10,827 ft). When we settle there, we relax and toast with our staff. At 7:30 pm, we are served a delicious dinner to later enjoy a well-deserved sleep.

Maximum altitude: 3,300 metres / 10,827 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,660 metres/8,727 feet
Duration of the trek: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Warm by day/Cold at night (around 0°C)

DAY 2: LLUNCACHIMPA – WARMIWAÑUSQA – SAYAQMARCA – CHAQUICOCHA

We get up very early in order to watch the marvelous sunrise over the mountains as well as to enjoy breathing the fresh air that nature gives us there. Afterward, we are served breakfast and get ready for the challenge of this day. We start ascending passing through Llulluchapampa (3,850 m/12,631 ft) till we get to the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machupicchu – the Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman´s Pass). It is located at the altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 f.a.s.l.) and it is a shelter of an Inca tomb. We have lunch there while admiring impressive views of snow-capped peaks and a wonderful semi-tropical valley.

After lunch, we descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,526 m/11,566 ft) that offers us incredible views of the landscape having a splendid waterfall on the left side and snowy peaks all around.  Later we start ascending again till we reach the Inca remains of Runcuracay and our Tour Guide shows us around. The last section is only a descend walk. Firstly, we descend to Sayaqmarca (3,657 m/11,998 ft) – an archaeological complex. Our Guide gives us an explanation about its interesting building erected on a very steep slope, surrounded by a wonderful mountain chain. Secondly, we keep descending till Ch’akicocha, a dried-out lake (3,600 m.a.s.l./11,811 f.a.s.l.) where we set our campsite and pass the second night.

Maximum altitude: 4,200 metres /13,780 feet
Minimum altitude: 3,300 metres/10,827 feet
Duration of the trek: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Weather: Cold by day/Cold at night (around 0°C)

DAY 3 INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATA MARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

After having a quick and energetic breakfast, we start trekking through a semi-tropical valley while observing remains of the Inca culture – Phuyupata Marca, strategically located uphill. We ascend to this archeological site (3,521 m/11,552 ft), which name means the “Centre of the Cloud Forest”. From there, we are offered an enchanting view of the snowy mountain of Salkantay, the highest in this area. Moreover, we can overlook a stunning and green valley formed by the Urubamba River. At 4:30 pm, we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m/8,858 ft) where our Guide explains us about this marvelous Inca complex for one and half an hour.

Then, our staff built our last campsite and later make a farewell ceremony for our journey to Machupicchu. Later on, we are served dinner and then, we can exchange our personal experiences of these 3 magical and unforgettable days. We go sleep early as it is recommended to visit Machu Picchu at dawn.

Maximum altitude: 3,600 metres/11,811 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,600 metres/8,530 feet
Duration of the trek: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Weather: Humid-warm by day/Cold at night (around 0°C)

DAY 4 INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

We have our breakfast very early at 4:20 am. Then, we say goodbye to our Porters and Cook to continue the journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku in Quechua). From there, we have a wonderful spectacle of watching Machu Picchu, its surrounding landscape, and the stunning sunrise over it. We reach the Inca citadel (2,430 m/7,972 ft) at around 7:30 am.

Then, the Tour Guide gives you a 4-hour private guided tour while explaining to you each known detail of the history of this New Wonder of the World. He/she shows you around its squares, sacred water fountains, tower structures, temples, stairways, terraces, etc. This all is divided into 3 sections: spiritual, urban, and agricultural.

After the guided part, you are given time off in order to take some more pictures and explore the citadel on your own. You can also visit the Inca Bridge and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machupicchu Mountain to take some panoramic pictures of the Sanctuary of Machupicchu (please see the section Optional).

When you decide, use a bus ticket (that the Guide has given you previously) to descend to the Aguas Calientes town (2,040 m/6,693 ft) and have lunch. We accommodate you in a hotel there. You have an option of visiting the local thermal baths (entrance fee is not included in the tour) afterward. In the evening, we invite you to a dinner show. At the end of the day, you spend the night in the hotel.

Maximum altitude: 2,700 metres/8,858 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres/6,693 feet
Duration of the trek: 2 hours
Trekking distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Weather: Humid-warm

DAY 5 INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

After breakfast in the hotel, we board a train taking us back to the town of Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours). Our private vehicle awaits you there to transport you to Cusco (around an hour). Finally, you are taken back to your hotel in Cusco. We hope that this wonderful journey brings you many exciting experiences as well as new friends!

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – MISKAY – LLACTAPATA – LLUNCACHIMPA

• 6:30 am – a pick-up from the hotel in Cusco.
• Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• Breakfast and last shopping of all necessary for the trek.
• 8:30 am – arrival to the Km 82 – Piscacucho, which is the checkpoint of the 5-day Inca Trail to Machupicchu.
• Meet-up with your Cook and Porters.
• Passing through the checkpoint.
• 9 am – a small ceremony before the trail.
• 9:30 am – the start of hiking.
• Arrival in the native community of Miskay.
• Lunch prepared and served by our experienced Cook.
• Continuation of the trek till Llactapata.
• Guided visit of this archaeological site.
• Hike through the valley of Wayllabamba.
• Arrival at Lluncachimpa – a place of our first campsite.
• 7:30 pm – dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: LLUNCACHIMPA – WARMIWAÑUSQA – SAYAQMARCA – CHAQUICOCHA

• Early get-up to watch the marvelous sunrise over the mountains.
• Having a delicious breakfast.
• Ascending to the highest point of the Inca Trail: Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman´s Pass; 4,200 metres / 13,780 feet).
• Lunch at Warmiwañusqa while admiring a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range.
• Descending to the Pacaymayo Valley while enjoying a beautiful view.
• Ascend to Runcuracay and a guided tour around this Inca site.
• Arrival at the archaeological site of Sayaqmarca and its guided visit.
• Trek to Chaquicocha – a place of our second campsite.
• Dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATA MARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

• Breakfast at the campsite.
• Trek through a semi-tropical valley.
• Ascend to Phuyupata Marca.
• Guided visit of these remains of the Inca culture.
• Observation of the snowy and highest mountain of the area – Salkantay (6,271 m/20,574 ft) and a green valley of the Urubamba River.
• Lunch.
• 4:30 am – arrival to Wiñay Wayna.
• 1 and half an hour excursion around this marvelous Inca complex.
• Camping at Wiñay Wayna.
• Farewell ceremony.
• Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

• 4:20 am – a very early breakfast.
• Bidding farewell to our Porters and Cook.
• Walk towards the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
• Observing for the first time Machupicchu and the stunning sunrise above it from there.
• 7:30 am (approx.) – arrival at Machupicchu.
• 4-hour private guided tour of this overwhelming Inca citadel.
• Time off enabling you to enjoy Machupicchu on your own, visit the Inca Bridge, and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machupicchu Mountain to take some panoramic photos of this New Wonder of the World (please see the section Optional).
• When you feel ready, use a shuttle bus ticket to bring you down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• A possible visit to the local thermal baths (not included in the tour).
• Dinner show.
• Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• The train ride back to Ollantaytambo (2 hours).
• Transport back to the city of Cusco (approx. an hour).
• Transfer to your hotel.
• End of service of the Inca Trail to Machupicchu.

OPTIONAL:

• Climb to the Machupicchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by a 1.5 hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machupicchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to limited number of tickets!
• Wayna Picchu – a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by the 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machupicchu. It is extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to limited number of entrances!

WHAT DOES THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU TOUR INCLUDE?

• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private transport to the trailhead at Km 82.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
• A professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
• Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
• Porters to carry camping and kitchen equipment.
• Camping and kitchen equipment (a dining tent, a kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, tables, seats, a toilet tent).
• Personal tents (a quad tent for two persons).
• Blanket.
• Mattress.
• Walking stick.
• Duffel bag.
• First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
• Two-way radio.
• Meals: 5x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner, hot bevarages during main meals – a vegetarian option available upon request.
• Private guided tour of Machupicchu.
• 1 ticket of a shuttle bus between Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes.
• 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (a town below Machupicchu).
• Return train to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transport between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
• Drop off at your hotel in Cusco.

WHAT DOES THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU TOUR NOT INCLUDE?

• Sleeping bag (you can rent it from X Travel Peru for USD 30/trek).
• Lunch on day 5 (in Aguas Calientes).
• Beverages (apart from the main meals).
• Extra Porter (who can carry up to 20 kg of your belongings – USD 70 extra).
• Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
• Entrance fee to the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes (10 Soles).
• Tips to local staff.
• Pocket money.
• Accommodation in Cusco.
• Any flight.
• Travel insurance.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU TOUR:

• Original passport!!! (Please note: It will be checked at the gateway! If you fail to bring it, you will not be allowed to enter!)
• Necessary stuff for a 5-day trek (We recommend you to take of up to 7 kg of your belongings which might be carried by an extra Porter.);
• Sleeping bag (you can rent it from us if you do not have any);
• Personal medicines (if applicable);
• Small backpack;
• Warm cloths such as a jacket, a sweater, long trousers (particularly for the cold nights);
• Light clothes such as shorts and a T-shirt (for sunny and warm days);
• Sufficient number of socks and underwear;
• Rainy coat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
• Trekking shoes;
• Camera;
• Extra batteries and/or power bank;
• Binocular (if you like);
• Flashlight;
• A peak/hat;
• Sun glasses;
• Sun protection cream;
• Insect repellent;
• Toiletries;
• Towel;
• Toilet paper;
• Swimsuit (in case you like to visit the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes);
• Bottled water;
• Canteen;
• Water purification tablets (optional);
• Matches;
• Knife;
• Pocket money (to buy some souvenirs or refreshment).

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates, and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.