GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trails in South America and therefore an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

The trail leads through the protected wilderness of the Peruvian jungle and forest steppe, passing several Inca archaeological sites and offering stunning views over the 4-day tour.

The Incas used this route for the pilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu.

 

Health Concerns

 

DYou should be honest with your guide about any health problems or concerns you may have. Our guides are trained in first aid but are not medical professionals.
We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help our team. You are responsible for evaluating whether a Tour is suitable for you.
You should consult your doctor to confirm your fitness to travel and participate in any planned activities.
You should seek your doctor's advice regarding vaccinations and medical precautions. Cusco Inka Tours will not provide medical advice, it is your responsibility to evaluate the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements. 
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from walking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip.
Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use most of the original itinerary to keep costs down. If you experience problems during the hike and are unable to continue, a porter will escort you to the nearest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and take you to the nearest health clinic.

 

Day 1: Cusco - KM 82 - Wayllabamba - Yuncachimpa

 

We will leave Cusco at 5:30 am by tourist bus and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before reaching our starting point, KM 82, we will have a brief rest in Ollantaytambo and we will have the option of having breakfast.

The official start of the Inca Trail is called KM 82. Here we will meet and take care of the registration procedures. After crossing the Urubamba River we will begin the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm-up for the following days. In Miskay we will have lunch on the bank of a small river while we obtain information about the archaeological complex of Llactapata.

After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (at 3100 m high) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300 m), the camp where we will spend the night.

From here we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.

 

 -Difficulty level: Moderate

-Walking time: 6-7 hours

 -Total distance: 11km Approx.

 

Day 2: Yuncachimpa - Llulluchapampa - Paso Warmihuañusca - Pacaymayu - Paso Runkurakay - Chaquicocha

 

The second day is 'Free-Hike-Day', this means that everyone must walk at their own pace. Of course, we will have short breaks while climbing the stairs. Early in the morning, the trail leads first through the Llulluchapampa Valley (3850 m).

The first 3 km are steps: enjoy the humid forest and the sounds of water. From Llulluchapampa follow the path for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) (4200 m). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short rest at the summit, you continue your hike with a long and steep descent down the Pacaymayu River (Rio del Amanecer) towards the Runkurakay Pass (3050 m) until you reach our camp called Chaquicocha at (3650 m).

Here you can relax from the hard day while enjoying an incredible view of the mountains.

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 -Difficulty level: Exhausting

-Walking time: 8-9 hours

-Total distance: 15km Approx.

 

Day 3: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna

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The third day is the most beautiful; You will see changes in ecosystems as you walk towards the Wiñaywayna tropical forest.

We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950 m). It is a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forests and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700 m) offers a beautiful view over the Urubamba valley.

The closest settlement is Phuyupatamarca "Town above the clouds" (3600 m). There is a well-preserved site with a series of Inca baths that are testament to the excellence of Inca engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna (forever young) (2650 m).

The Inca stairs become a zigzag path until we reach a white building with a red roof, our last camp, and also a place with hot water and bottled drinks.

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-Difficulty level: Normal

 -Walking time: 5-6 hours

 -Total distance: 10km Approx.

 

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco

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On the fourth day, after our breakfast at 4:30 a.m., we will head, equipped with our flashlights, to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The last triumphant descent will take almost an hour before visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m) around 8:00 am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings.

From Machu Picchu a bus will be waiting for you to take you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak your aches and pains in the city's hot springs. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

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 -Difficulty level: Moderate – Easy

-Walking time: 2-3 hours

-Total distance: 7 km Approx.

 

 WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

 

1. Backpack with rain cover (35 or 45 liters of capacity is sufficient).

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2.  Clothing for hot and cold climates.

 

3. ID / Passport, student card (to receive the student discount)

 

4.  Sun hat to protect the neck and face (1), Wool hat for the cold (1)

 

5. Long-sleeved t-shirts and short (4), Fleece jacket (1), Hard shell jacket (1) 

 

6.  Trekking pants and shorts (3), Pajama pants (1). Underwear (4)

 

7.  Trekking shoes/boots (1), sandals (for showers and hot springs). (1)

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8.  Wool/synthetic socks (4), sunglasses with UV protection (1), Flashlight.

 

9.   Canteen or camel back (1), tracking towels (1), toilet paper (1)

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10. Swimsuit (for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes). (1)

 

11. Sunscreen with UV protection, insect repellent, toilet paper, alcohol gel disinfectant/hand cleaner.

 

12. Camera (with rain protection), additional batteries.

 

13. Snacks (for example, chocolate bars and dried fruits)

 

14. Cash in soles / approx. 200 optional

 

15.  Small lock and plastic bags, Rain poncho (1)

 

16. Since the weather can be very cold and rainy, your clothes, once wet, will not dry quickly. the night. It is best to bring some clothes to change into.

 

 

WHAT INCLUDES:

 

1. Pre-briefing time at 7:00 p.m. in our office 1 or 2 days before your departure date (Must be confirmed at the time of booking).

 

2. Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.

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3. Bus that goes downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station.

 

4. Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

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5. Professional bilingual guide (depending on the country).

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6. Camping equipment (professional two-seater tents / single tents: Doite, model

Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg, Doite, Himalaya model, extra light/4.5kg and Eureka Tents;

mats, tent, dining room equipped with table and chairs.

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7. Cook, kitchen equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes

pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, everything

rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks such as mate de

coca which is excellent for the altitude, tea time and snack every day (tea, coffee,

wonton, popcorn and cookie).

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8. Porters to carry the main luggage and matras (all kitchen equipment and materials).

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9. Porters to carry the mattress and sleeping bags, Cold filtered boiled water.

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10. First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

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11. T-shirts with a map of the Inca trail.

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12. Communication radios and satellite phones.

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NOT INCLUDED:

 

1.  Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in the Town of Aguas Calientes.

 

2. Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag there is the possibility of renting one for $20.00).

 

3. Pair of canes (if you do not have a cane, there is the possibility of renting one for $15.00)

 

4.  Optional entrance to Huayna Picchu – depending on reservation, cost: $65.00

 

 

COSTS PER PERSON:

 

1. The cost of the 4-day Inca Trail is $600.00 (Six hundred US dollars)

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2. The cost of the 2-day Inca Trail is $550.00 (Five hundred and fifty US dollars)

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3. Proposal validity one month after sending.

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4. The reservation must be made at least 2 to 3 months in advance, to be able to make reservations.

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5. Reservations are made with 50% advance for the purchase of tickets to the Inca Trail, entry to the citadel and train tickets, since entry to the Inca Trail is very limited.

 

HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, so it is very popular to take a hike on one of the mountains next to the ruins after your tour.

HUAYNAPICCHU -- is the most popular and must be booked in advance as it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top and another 45 minutes to get down. Tickets are sold in timed sessions indicating when this walk can begin. The first session is from 7 to 8 a.m. m., and the second session is from 10 to 11 a. m. Again, this refers to the time period in which you can begin your hike.

We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first.

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