CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

DAY 1: Cusco-KM 82 – Huayllabamba
We pick you up from your hotel in the morning at 6:00 and drive to kilometer 82 of the Inca trail. At the check point, you must show your passport here (copies are not accepted). The first part of the Inca trail is considered a gentle training section (about two hours). From the trail, you can see the ruins of Llactapata, then 20 minutes later is where we will stop for lunch. The hike ascends to semi-tropical valley for two hours until we arrive at the first camp site (Huayllabamba, 3000 MASL). (L, D)

DAY 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu

After the breakfast, the Inca trail leads us to the highest point, passing through different climate and ecological zones as we ascend the Warmiwañuusca mountain pass (4200 MASL). The hike will rise up to the pass and in the first section we will see an abundance of native vegetation and as we continue along the trail, you will see less as we move up to the higher elevation. After approximately 5 hours, we reach the peak of the mountain and stop to rest and take some majestic photos of the landscape. We begin our decent down to the campsite, located an hour downhill at the Pacaymayu valley (3600 MASL). (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Pacaymayu – Wiñay wuayna
The trail climbs up towards the second pass, and about halfway up there is a small round roofless stone building, which is the remains of an Inca archaeological site known as Runcuracay. The trail continues to rise towards the second pass of Runcuracay, which is at around 3900m. Once we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of the Pumasillo mountain range. We descend ½ hour to the ruins of Sayacmarca – a group of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. After lunch, we continue to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (a town at Cloud-level). We will take some time to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spill down the mountainside here. Then, we begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway, partly cut from living granite, leads us finally to our camp by the ruins of Wiñay wuayna (forever young) the last camp site at 2500 MASL (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Wiñay Wuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We start to hike early in the morning (5:00) for the last section of the magical Inca Trail. From Wiñay wuayna to Intipunku it is an easy hike (2 hrs), followed by a broad level path, which winds through shrubs and comfortably lit woodland. In less than an hour, we arrive at Intipunku (the Gateway of the Sun) and through the rectangular doorway you can see the Machu Picchu. From the Sun gate, a pathway leads downhill, for about an hour, directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The tour takes two hours and usually offers free time afterwards. Once that is done, we take the 18:20 train and arrive at Ollantaytambo around 20:10 and hop onto a 1 ½ hour bus to Cusco. (L)

INCLUDED:

• Pick up from hotel

• Transportation by bus to Inca Trail Km. 82.

• English / Spanish speaking tour guide

• Admission fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

• 03 Breakfasts, 03 lunches and 03 dinners

• Camping equipment: 2 person large

• Mattress and tent

• Cooking / dinning tent, tables, chairs

• First aid kit

• Porters to carry camping equipment

• Cooking supplies

• Bus to Aguas Calientes

• Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, and bus to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Tips or additional spending money
• Walking poles
• Sleeping Bag
• Personal Porter

PASSENGER MUST BRING:

• Original passport

• Sleeping bag

• Water bottle

• Insect repellent

• Sun block

• Sun glasses

• Hat

• Comfortable hiking shoes

• Change of clothes

• Flashlight

• Rain coat

• First aid kit

Our group sizes small at INKATREKS, allowing us to give you highly personalized service. This lets you enjoy your hike more and better get to know all the other participants, making your experience unique and unforgettable, high level of environmental and social responsibility.

Price for small groups (8 people maximum, 2 people minimum)

$750.00 USD for adults
$680.00 USD for students
These prices also include:
A porter to carry 8kg (17.6lb) of your personal gear.

Discounts:
Children between 8-17 years old pay student price, but they must show a copy of their passport.  Children will receive the underage student price if they, at the time of their trip, are at most 17 years old and have had their birthday recently.
University students must have a student card with the following information to receive the discount:

   a) Name of the university
   b) The student’s full name, identical to the one in their passport.
   c) A photo of the student.
   d) Student number or code.
   e) Expiry date (must be valid for the entire duration of the trip 2022).
Once you have reserved as a student, you must bring your original student card (not a copy) to enter the Inca Trail.

Additional Services:

Extra Porter to carry 8kg (17.6lb): $100 USD. You must request this at the time that you make your reservation.
Extra Porter to carry 15kg (33lb): $150 USD. You must request this at the time that you make your reservation.
Private tent: $90 USD
Wayna Picchu Mountain: $75.00 USD
Machupicchu Mountain: $75.00 USD  The prices of Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains can vary based on the exchange rate of the American dollar.
Extra night in Aguas Calientes: the price will depend on the category of hotel that you choose.
To Upgrade or change the hours of your return train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: please consult with us about this.

CANCELLING POLICY COVID-19

Special terms and conditions: In the event that the COVID 19 pandemic situation continues throughout the world, will give you the option to reschedule your trip or have a credit note for the future or return in coordination with the regulatory institutions of tourist attractions.

CANCELLING YOUR RESERVATION:

Due to the strict regulations established by Machu Picchu Park, once you have made your booking the space and permit that has been purchased cannot be cancelled. It is also impossible to transfer the permit to someone else under a different name. The date of your permit can not be modified either. Therefore, if you are not able to arrive on the scheduled date, no refunds can be made for your Inca Trail permit. 

Permits are not refundable and INKATREKS will purchase the permits as soon as confirmation of your booking has been sent.

Therefore:

 a) If you cancel 30 or more days in advance, you will lose your first deposit but will have the right to whatever entrance   tickets we have purchased for you.

b)If you cancel between 29 and 11 days before your trip, you must pay 50% of the total cost. You will have the right to   whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day that it was   scheduled in your original itinerary, and whatever other service we have purchased for you.

c)If you cancel between 10 and 4 days before your trip, you must pay 80% of the total cost. You will have the right to   whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day that it was   scheduled in your original itinerary, train ticket* and bus ticket.

d)If you cancel between 1 and 3 days before your trip, this is regarded as a “no show” and you must pay 100% of the total cost.       You will have the right to whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on     the day that it was scheduled in your original itinerary, train ticket and bus ticket.

2.   If you decide to stop for personal reasons once the hike has started, you will automatically lose all the included services. Any costs incurred during your return, such as food, transportation, or lodging, will be your responsibility. However, you can rejoin the group   at   Machu Picchu for the visit, where you may use your entrance ticket, participate in the guided tour, take the return bus to Aguas  Calientes and

One of the most popular hikes in South America, Peru’s Inca Trail is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago, the Classic Inca Trail is the most famous stretch of the Inca road system – consisting of 40,000 kilometres (25,000 miles) of trail spanning north to south through Chile, Ecuador and Peru. Check out below everything you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu below and we look forward to seeing you on the trail.

Deemed one of the greatest multi-day treks in the world, it’s no wonder hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has found its way onto many travellers’ bucket lists. Perhaps it’s the many Inca ruins scattered along the trail, the lure of the Andean mountains ever so present or the chance to stand at the Sun Gate, watching the first rays light up Machu Picchu.

How long is the Inca Trail?

Surprising to many, the Classic Inca Trail hike is only 40 kilometres (25 miles) long. Don’t think this trail is a cakewalk though! With an altitude of 4,200 metres (13,766 feet) at its highest point, each of the four days and three nights brings its challenges.

What is the elevation of the Inca Trail?

Elevation varies along the Inca Trail. You’ll start the Inca Trail at an elevation of 2750 metres (9,000 feet), climb to a max elevation of 4,200 metres (13,766 feet) before descending down to Machu Picchu at 2,400 metres (7,474 feet).

Is the Inca Trail safe to hike?

Like all multi-day hikes at altitude, the Inca Trail does have its risk. However, going with experienced guides who know the region and taking all normal precautions like keeping valuables out of sight and not hiking in the dark will ensure your risks are kept low.

How difficult is it to hike the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail hike itself is not extremely difficult, with well-constructed paths and relatively short hiking distances each day. However, it’s still recommended you’re in good physical condition to hike the Inca Trail and take all the appropriate precautions to limit altitude sickness.