Inka trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Starting from only USD 665/person.
The prices includes PERSONAL PORTERS and INFLATABLE MATTRESSES. We will provide you with duffle-bag at briefing time, to carry your personal equipment such as mattres, sleeping bag and clothing to change. You will only carry a small daypack with essential items such as rain gear, warm fleece, water bottle and camera.
This trek combines Inca ruins, original Inca trail, Inca steep(up and down), ecological
zones with exuberant and diversity vegetation and more than 350 species of orchids
so far cataloged in the sanctuary, which are the most beautiful, diversified and
evolved flowers in the vegetable kingdom and fauna with numerous species of insects,reptiles,birds
and mammals, the most representative of these area the spectacled bears( tremarctus
ornatus), the trail goes over the high passes(4200m), grasslands with unforgettable
views of the magnificent mountains, through the cloud forests and finally into the
subtropical vegetation arriving on the final day to Machu Picchu.
Level of difficulty (low, medium, high): medium
Required fitness level (low, medium, high): medium
DAY 1: CUSCO TO KM 82 (with a private bus) - KM 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA
Pick up from your hotel is very early in the morning (5:30 am).
Once we’ve left Cusco by private bus we’ll drive through the famous Sacred Valley
(Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) and will arrive after about 2 ½ hours at
“km 82” that is the start of the trail. On our way from Cusco to km 82 our bus
usually stops for around 30 minutes in Ollantaytambo in order to give our customers
the opportunity to have breakfast or to buy something else (snacks, drinks etc.).
Having arrived at km 82 at around 09:00 am you are going to cross the Urubamba river
and follow the left bank of the river for about 1 ½ hours. The first little climb
will be to Wilka Rakay; from here there is a spectacular view of the Inca site Patallapta
and the Kusichaca Valley. The subsequent descent down to Kusichaca river is very
simple. On the way to our first camp side there are great views of the Urubamba
mountain range with the snow-capped Peak Veronica (5’750 m, Wakay Wilka). We’ll follow
Kusichaca Valley for approximately 7km up to Wayllabamba (3’000 m), where we will
spend our first night.
- Trekking distance: 12km
- Estimated time: 6-7 approx.
- Maximum altitude: 3000m
- Campsite altitude: 3000m
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU
After an energetic breakfast we will start climbing up for about 1 hour to Tres
Piedras (The Three Stones). A little farther we will enter into the beautiful cloud
forest. After having trekked for around 2 hours through spectacular vegetation we
will reach the tree lines and Llulluchapampa at 3’800m. Here we will stop to have
a short break with some tea or coffee and some sandwiches to regain your strengths.
You’ll need them for the next 1 ½ hours of hiking that will bring us to the highest
point of the Inca Trail - Abra de Warmihuñusca or dead woman pass (4’215m). Predominant
flora of this part of the trail is the vast grassy land that you’ll cross when getting
closer to the pass. Once we have reached the summit of the pass, we’ll celebrate
all together for having completed the most difficult part of Inca Trail. The following
2 hours descent will bring us to the base camp in Pacaymayo (3’600m) where we will
spent the second night.
- Trekking distance: 12km
- Estimated time: 6-7 hours approx.
- Maximum altitude: 4215m
- Campsite altitude: 3600m
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA
The third day starts with a 40 minutes hike from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay. These
small ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking Pacaymayo valley and offering
a very nice view. Another 45 minutes hike will bring you to the top of the second
pass, Abra Runkurakay (3’950m). The descent down to Sayacmarka (3’500m) takes around
1 hour. From here the trail descends into the magnificent cloud forest full of orchids,
hanging moss, ferns and native flowers. It takes 30 minutes passing by the small
Inca site Conchamarka and then reaching Chaquicocha (3’550m), where we will have
lunch. On the way to Phuyupatamarka pass (3’700 m) we will follow for approximately
1 ½ hours a paved stones road that also leads us through an Inca tunnel carved into
the rocks. From the top of the pass we have a spectacular view of the snow-capped
peaks Salcantay (6‘271m), Veronica (5’750m) and also of Machu Picchu mountain. The
descent to the last camp site Wiñayhuyna (2’650m), close to Machu Picchu will take
us around 2 ½ hours.
- Trekking distance: 15km
- Estimated time: 8-9 hours approx.
- Maximum altitude: 3950m
- Campsite altitude: 2650m
DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHUPICCHU
On the fourth day we will wake you up very early (at 4:00 am) to have breakfast
and to be able start our hike to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Like this we’ll be in Machu Picchu
for the sunrise. From Wiñayhuyna it will take us around 1 hour to get the sun gate
(Inti Punku at 2’720m). From here you will see magnificent Machu Picchu for the first
time. It is another 40 minutes walk down to Machu Picchu and to get to the classical
viewpoint. From here we’ll be able to overlook and admire the
entire Machu Picchu complex. This is also the spot where you’ll be able to take the
classical post card picture with its terrific view of Machu Picchu. Now we have to
descend to the main entrance to leave our backpack in the deposit (10 minutes).
We will then return to the Inca site to start the guided tour of Machu Picchu with
your guide. The tour takes approximately 2 hours. After that you will have free
time to explore the site on your own again. Once you feel that you have seen every corner of Machu Picchu you will take a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes to have lunch. Usually
we take the bus at around 13:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your
guides will give you the ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machu Picchu by
bus, the guides give you time and location of the restaurant where the group meets
in Aguas Calientes. You will get your train tickets back to Cusco.
- Trekking distance: 6km
- Estimated time: 2 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2720m
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2400m
Service included:
- Transportation: private transport from Cusco to the start of the trail at km82, bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (your hotel).
- All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. Food includes pancakes, omelets,
soups, fresh fruits, chicken, fish, meat, rice, pasta and hot drinks including coca
leaf tea which is very effective against altitude sickness. Tea time every afternoon
(tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn). Every morning and afternoon we’ll provide warm
water to clean yourself up. We can also provide vegetarian meals and special diets.
Just let us know in advance or during the briefing on the evening before the trekking.
- Camping equipment. 2 people will always share a spacious 4 people dome igloo tent
with plenty of space for your backpacks. Inflatable mattress, chemical toilet, cooking
equipment, dining tent, kitchen tent, first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Porters to carry the tents, food, cooking equipment and your personal equipment
such as mattress, sleeping bag and clothing to change. Porters will carry a maximum
of 5 kilos per person (including sleeping bag).
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish). Always 2 guides for 8 people.
Service not included:
- First breakfast at Ollantaytambo (day 1)
- Last lunch at Aguas Calientes (after having visited Machupicchu)
- Sleeping bag (25 US$ to rent)
- Tips and extra spending.
- Ticket for Wayna Picchu. If you would like to climb Wayna Picchu you can select this option upon booking. Additional cost would be USD 70 per person.