Trip introduction
The Inca trail is one of the most important pathways of the pre- colonial period, today it is the most famous and popular hike to Machu Picchu. It is considered one of the top 5 hikes in the world. Walk on the highlands through high passes and cloud forest. Enjoy visiting some archeological Inca villages and finally see the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Overview
Considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world, the Inca Trail along with its 42 kilometers will make our experience unique for the rest of our lives. Throughout the 4 days we will explore little-known places such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, to finally make our entrance to the lost city of the Incas using the great gate of the sun that was used more than 500 years ago when the Incas dominated all the Andean mountains.
**** If you decide to do this walk, make sure you are in good physical condition, one of the main characteristics of this trail are the paths with many steps both going up and down.
Day 1: CUSCO – KM 82 PISCACUCHO - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
The most exciting adventure will begin!!! Early in the morning we will drive to Piscacucho Km 82 (2360 m.a.s.l) and check in at the check point. From here we will spend our day hiking alongside the cusichaca river and wayllabamba while being surrounded by massive Andean mountains and visiting places like Llacatapata. Later on we will continue hiking deeper into the mountains and soaking in views of the Farmer terraces from Incas period and water channels until we finally reach the picturesquevillage of Wayllabamba to have a lunch. We'll then continue to our base camp of Llullupapampa, our highest point of the day at 3,700 m.a.s.l. for the night.
- Estimated hiking hours: 7-8 hours
- Trekking distance: 17 km
Day 2: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – CHAQUILCOCHA
This is an unforgettable day! We will wak up with a cup of coca tea being brought to your tent by our Porters and after breakfast will start our ascent to Warmiwañusca (aka. dead woman pass) located at 4200 m.a.s.l. From this point we will experience beautiful sceneries with some of the highest mountains. It’s a challenging hike to the pass, which provides 360º views that make every step worthwhile. After this we will descend the mountain using the original Inca steps until we reach Pacaymayo to have a lunch break. In the afternoon we will continue hiking through the valley visiting Runkurakay, and traversing over the second pass – Rukurakay pass (3900 m.a.s.l). After celebrating our ascent to the pass, we will walk down cobbled steps paved by the Incas over 500 years ago to Sayacmarca and finally to Chaquilcocha , our camp for the evening.
- Estimated hiking hours: 7-8 hours
- Trekking distance: 12 km
Day 3: CHAQUILCOCHA – WIÑAYWAYNA
Today we will start hiking through the subtropical ecosystems and some important archeological sites like Phuyupatamarca (town into the clouds). We will explore one of the most preserved and complete Inca places, then we will descend into the clouds appreciating orchids and if we are lucky the black Bear. Finally we will arrive at Wiñayhuayna where we have our last night of camping. If you there is time in the afternoon we could explore the Wiñaywayna Inca site, which is located an easy 5 minute walk from our tents.
- Estimated hiking hours: 5-6 hours
- Trekking distance: 10 km
Day 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – SUN GATE- MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, this will be our final morning. We will begin our 2 hour walk by walking to the check point and then onward to the sun gate where you will have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After stopping for photos, we will walk down to the city to leave our backpacks in storage and then have a special tour with our guide who will explore the most important sector into the city. After the tour you have the option to walk and discover more of that energetic city on your own. Finally we will have a quick trip to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and catch the train to Cusco.
- Estimated hiking hours: 2 hours
- Trekking distance: 4 km
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THIS TREK?
- Briefing at your Hotel one day before the trek an aproximatly 6:00pm
- Hotel pick up for leave the city and go to Km 82
- Private tourist transportation from Cusco to km 82 (Piscacucho)
- 4 season Doite Kaylas tents
- Sea to Summit Comfortable foam mattresses
- Professional English / spanish speaking guide
- Meals along the Trail ( 3 breakfast , 3 lunches , 3 dinners + tea time every afternoon). (optional: vegetarian, celiatic option upon request)
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
- Porters team to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback since second day to the last day after lunch
- Hot water early in the mornings for personal cleanliness
- Expedition Tourist ticket Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Two hours guided tour in Machu Picchu the last day
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs for a group
- Chef and cooking equipment
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THIS TREK?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: + $75 USD – you have to book mínimum 3 months in advance
- Last lunch at Aguas Calientes. (You can choose different options at the towm)
- VISTADOME Train – + $67 USD per person
- Tips for the Guide, Porters, cook and porters
BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH TERRA PERU AVENTURAS
- Assistance 24/7 a week in English.
- Qualified professionals on all tours
- Professional Guides in English on all tours
- Free transfer from the airport to the hotel
EXTRAS
- Walking Poles – +$15 USD per pair per trek
- Personal tent- +$30 USD
- Personal Porter for carry your personal belongings - ++$100 USD
**HuaynaPicchu is optional trek in Machu Picchu which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully. This will help you resolve your doubts and/or questions about our services
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
All our services start at the airport of the city of Cusco where our driver will be waiting for the arrival of your flight to be able to drive you to the hotel of your choice, this service has no additional cost.
For which it is necessary that you provide us with your flight details and confirmation 1 or 2 days before your arrival in the city, our staff will be waiting with the Terra Peru Aventuras sign which you have to locate.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing is the information that is provided to our clients prior to a trip, this will be done one night before the selected activity at the hotel of their stay. In general, the schedule will depend on the other activities that you have planned to carry out, but many times it usually takes place between 6 and 7 at night.
HOW CAN I BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
To start a reservation, the first thing we request is your personal data along with the details of the date you would like to do the walk or trip, then we will request an advance payment of 40% of the total value of the walk in order to generate the purchase of the necessary tickets for the tour.
After the deposit, our reservation staff will send you the confirmation of the reservation of the Tour which will include the DATE, NAME OF THE TOUR, PERSONAL DATA OF THE CLIENT, AMOUNT DEPOSITED AND AMOUNT PENDING PAYABLE UPON ARRIVAL IN THE CITY.
Terra Peru Aventuras offers you different payment methods depending on your needs, from bank deposits, transfers via Wester Union, as well as PayPal (consider +8% to the deposit to be made for reasons of bank commissions)
WHEN DO I MAKE THE FINAL PAYMENT OF THE TOUR?
In general, the total payment must be made upon arrival, we recommend making the payment in cash, due to commission issues from international banks that may be unfavorable to you in case you want to make a payment with your credit card. Our staff gives you more details about it.
CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER I HAVE PURCHASED THE TICKETS?
For all our tours with the exception of Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Salkantay, yes! is possible to modify the date without any cost, this must be communicated to our staff as soon as possible in order to carry out the procedures for the modification with a new date.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Any good experience will depend on a good physical condition, if you practice any physical activity regularly you should not worry about a possible altitude sickness, however as an additional recommendation we suggest acclimatizing, in this sense you should consider spending at least 3 days to do some walk and 1 day to be able to carry out some activity or cultural tour.
There are medications that could achieve better acclimatization, but since we are not doctors, we suggest you drink plenty of water and coca infusions to achieve better acclimatization.
WHEN THE TOUR ENDS, DO YOU TAKE US TO THE HOTEL?
Everything will depend on the style of travel that you chose. Our clients who travel in a private service have the option of ending the tours at their hotel. However, those who opt for a group tour, our tour ends in the Plaza Regocijo or close to it so that you can walk without any worries to your hotel.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?
- Original passport (the same used for booking the trek)
- Good daypack or backpack
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Headlamp
- Toilet paper
- Good rain jacket and pants
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite its the higher and temperture drop to 2 Celius
- degrees
- Sandals
- Quickdry towel
- Battery Charge
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Personal First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sun glasses