Tour details

• Duration:

  4 Days

• Available Languages:

  Spanish, English

• Service type:

  Small Group Service

• Starting Point:

  Pick-up at your Cusco city center hotel

• End Point:

  Regocijo Square

Overview

• Trek for 4 days towards Machu Picchu along the precious Inca Trail
• Walk the same and original paved Inca pathways of ancient times
• Enjoy a comfortable service in a small group

What is and what is not included

• Transportation from your hotel to Km 82.
• Transportation by train and shared bus back to Cusco, drop off at Regocijo Square
• One-way ticket bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Admission fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Campsite accommodation and modern camping equipment
• Professional cook and meals included (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches y 3 dinners), hot drinks and daily snacks.
• Porters to carry all equipment
• First-aid kit and Oxygen tank
• Sleeping bags (can be rent, please ask your travel specialist)
• Walking sticks
• Breakfast on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 4
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
• Travel insurance
• Tips and additional expenses

ITINERARY

DAY 1

CUSCO – YUNCACHIMPA

We will be departing Cusco (3350m/10990ft) at 5:30am sharp to onboard a tourist bus towards the Sacred Valley. After a short break in Ollantaytambo to have a wholesome breakfast, we will arrive at km 82, our official starting point of the trek where we will meet our trek team and assure that everything is ready and everybody is registered to commence the walk. Once we have overcome the Rio Urubamba (2200m/4850f), we will take on the route of the ancient Inca Trail. The first day of the hike will be easy enough to stretch ourselves for the trek. As we head to Miskay where we will have lunch, located next to a small river bank, and to visit the archeological complex of Llactapata, when our guide will be explaining us more about the ruins. Following our agenda, you will be taken to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170ft) to climb up Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826ft) which is our camp for the evening. You will be able to feast your eyes on the beautiful snow-capped Veronica Mountain.
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Total distance: 11 km/6.8 m

DAY 2

YUNCACHIMPA – CHAQUICOCHA

The following day of your tour will consist with an early start to the day. Everybody will be able to walk at a pace most desirable for each one of us, and we will meet up during short breaks as well as while we ascend up the many stone stairs, the initial 3km/2m of the hike are fairly steep, with humid forest as your environment. You will have the soothing sounds of water to accompany you as you merge with nature. Going through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/1631ft) you will slowly ascend 2-3 hours until you arrive at the highest peak of the trek: Warmihuañusca pass (also known as the Dead Woman Pass due to the silhouette it projects, 4200m/13780ft). This is the most challenging part of the Inca Trail, therefore to reward yourself you will have a short break at the Summit before continuing with your hike and embarking on a steep descent down to Pacaymayo River, also known as the Sunrise River, while you head towards the Runkurakay Pass (3050m/10007ft). A short time later we will reach the camping site, Chaquicocha (3650m/11975ft). Your mission for the night will be to have some well-deserved rest from your adventurous hike, as you settle down and appreciate the beautiful views of the mountains.
• Difficulty level: Strenuous
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours
• Total distance: 15 km/9 m

DAY 3

CHAQUICOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

On your third day, you will embark on a trail that will leave you speechless as you the surroundings change into the tropical forest one of the most beautiful sights that nature has to offer as we walk towards Wiñaywayna. As we approach the second pass (3950m/12960ft) we will pass a couple of beautiful lakes which are incredibly picturesque and worth getting your camera out. After the second pass, it will be a gentle climb through the beautiful cloud forests and a small Inca tunnel, before taking on the third pass (3700m/12960ft). With spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley below. Close by we encounter The Town above the Clouds, it is the traditional name of Phuyupatamarca (3600m/11811ft). It is a well-preserved Incan site with many baths that prove to us the ingenuity of Inca engineering. On our walk we will pass another Inca tunnel, prior to visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna which translated to English means ‘Forever Young’ (2650m/8694ft). Following this zigzag trail of Inca stairs, we will reach a red-roofed White building, our last camping settlement, where you will able to take a hot shower, for an extra cost, as well as enjoy some bottled drinks.
• Difficulty level: Moderate – Easy
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Total distance: 10 km/6 m

DAY 4

WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The end of the trail has arrived, after you have enjoyed a nourishing breakfast at 4:30 am, we will embark on the last leg of the trek, equipped with our flashlights in order to guide ourselves through the darkness. Now approaching the Intu Punku (the Sun Gate) in order to receive our first glimpse of the majestic creation of Machu Picchu (2400m/7874ft) at approximately 8:00am. For 2 hours, you will participate in a guided tour in order to learn about the meaning and uses of the ancient buildings of the citadel and its secrets. After your tour, you will be free to explore the site at your own desire. If you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu (which has an extra cost and must have been booked in advance) or go back the Sun Gate, and admire Machu Picchu from afar. After your day in Machu Picchu, a bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes. After your fun-packed day, you will board the train from Aguas Calientes in order to return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
• Difficulty level: Moderate - Easy normal
• Hiking time: 2-3 hours
• Total distance: 7 km/4.4 m

Restrictions

• The walking sticks are not included, but if you prefer we can arrange to provide you a pair of basic poles with an extra cost.
• If you would like to climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain, please take in mind that is an unguided hike and require and additional cost. If you are interested, please consult with your travel specialist as we need to check availability far in advance.

Suggestions

• Bring the appropriate clothing for warm and cold weather:
• Hiking or trekking shoes
• Rain poncho or a waterproof jacket
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, toilet paper, hand cleanser and a hat