Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
4 days & 3 nights.
Detailed itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba

• Pick-up from the hotel at 06:00 and transfer to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft), where we meet the porters. A three-hour drive to Piscacucho, and our vehicle usually stops for an hour in Ollantaytambo for breakfast.

• We begin our journey on the Inca Trail by crossing the Urubamba River via a bridge. Then, we descend on the left bank of the Urubamba River towards the Sacred Valley. We follow a flat path to Miskay. Along the way, we enjoy an aerial view of the fantastic Inca city of Llactapata.

• We continue our hike through the Kusichaca Valley for about five hours until we reach the village of Huayllabamba (3000 m/9840 ft) and camp for the night. Throughout the journey, we marvel at the magnificent Vilcanota mountain range across the Urubamba River, including Mount Veronica, whose peak rises above us at 5,832 m (19,134 ft).

• The first day of the Inca Trail is easy and serves as preparation for the following days.

• Estimated distance: 12 km (7.47 miles). Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hours

• Overnight at the campsite.

• Included meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2 - From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu (Crossing the highest point)

• This day is the most challenging and at the highest altitude on the Inca Trail, with a steep ascent of 11 km. We recommend carrying energy bars, gels, and chocolates/sweets in your personal backpack to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent altitude sickness.

• After breakfast, we start our demanding day with a steep climb to Warmi, Wañusca pass, the Dead Woman's pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings transform into mountainous terrain where we can see local alpacas and llamas grazing in the Ichu.

• We walk down a winding trail bordering the valley next to our next campsite. Additionally, we pass through a region known as the cloud forest, home to various species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, the spectacled bear.

• After 6 hours of hiking, we descend to the Paqaymayu valley (3500 m/11,480 ft), where we find our campsite. We enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after a tiring day.

• Estimated distance: 11 km (6.84 miles). Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hours

• Overnight at the campsite.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3 - Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna (Descending into the Cloud Forest)

• After breakfast, we continue on the longest and most spectacular route of the Inca Trail, passing numerous ancient monuments, lush cloud forests, thriving Andean wildlife, and flora. We go from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3955 m/12,975 ft), the second pass.

• Approximately halfway along the Inca Trail, we encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, a semicircular Inca dwelling with a view of the Paqaymayu valley. After a brief stay, we continue towards the Cloud Forest to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site.

• Continuing the hike, we reach Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12,136ft) and descend to Phuyupatamarca, commonly known as "the town in the clouds," where we can explore this incredible Inca remnant.

• We descend a long stone staircase to Wiñayhuayna (2700 m/8858 ft), an impressive Inca village with a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center near our campsite.

• It is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. Rest well to fully appreciate the magnificent sunrise at Machu Picchu.

• Estimated distance: 16 km (9.94 miles). Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hours

• Overnight at the campsite.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4 - Hike to the Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary

• Around 04:00, we have breakfast and continue the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the final part of the journey, and we should be reaching the Sun Gate at 06:00 am.

• After 40 minutes of walking, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2430 m/7972 ft) through the "Guardian's House." Machu Picchu (2430 m/7972 ft) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

• Around 08:00, the guided tour begins through the astonishing ruins and main streets. We then stroll through the city squares and climb the stone-carved stairs.

• The guided tour lasts about two hours and 30 minutes.

• At 13:00, take the downhill bus to Aguas Calientes.

• Optional lunch in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes (not included).

• At approximately 3 pm, board our train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.

• Estimated distance: 4 km (2.49 miles). Estimated hiking time: 2 hours

• Included meals: Breakfast.

Included:

· Briefing the night before the trek.

· Hotel pick-up in the Sacred Valley and transfer to Km. 82 (starting point of the trail).

· Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets (excluding Huayna Picchu mountain).

· 4-season tents (brand: Eureka) with a capacity for 4 passengers, where a maximum of two people will be accommodated for greater comfort.

· Inflatable sleeping pads.

· Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.

· Hygienic services tent with biodegradable products.

· Bilingual professional guide and assistant guide.

· Cook, assistant, and kitchen equipment.

· Porters (to carry tents, food, and kitchen equipment).

· Meals (3 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + daily snacks + daily tea service - except the last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no additional cost.

· A cloth bag for daily snacks to avoid plastic bags.

· Boiled water from lunch on the first day.

· Biodegradable hand soaps and dishwashing detergents.

· Hot water every morning and evening for washing / boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelbak every morning, evening, and lunch.

· First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.

· Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins to the town of Aguas Calientes.

· Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Train or similar).

· Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.

· 24-hour assistance from the operational team.

Not Included:

· National or international flights, VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post-tour accommodation.

· Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).

· Tips for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.

· Additional items not mentioned in the itinerary description.

· Entrance to Huayna Picchu.

· Breakfast on the first day of the Inca Trail.

· Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.

· Personal porter for personal luggage (includes sleeping bag).

· Sleeping bag.

· Trekking poles.

OPTIONAL SERVICES

· -10C (18 F) Sleeping bag rental

· Trekking poles rental

· Additional personal luggage porter (14kg / 30 pounds weight)

· Upgrade to Vistadome Train (Round Trip)

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

· Sturdy and comfortable backpack to carry everything needed for the day. Ideally, Camelbak or similar.

· Sleeping bag for cold temperatures (preferably with a comfort rating of at least 0 degrees Celsius). You can bring your own or rent one.

· Suitable hiking clothing, including quick-drying long pants, long and short-sleeved shirts, thick socks, and a cold-weather coat. It's always advisable to dress in layers.

· Sturdy and comfortable trekking boots or shoes, previously worn to avoid blisters during the hike.

· Waterproof and windproof jacket in case of rain.

· Hat to protect against the sun, and a hat + gloves to protect against the cold at night.

· Broad-spectrum sunscreen and insect repellent.

· Headlamp and extra batteries for use in the campsites.

· Trekking poles to help stabilize balance on rugged terrain. You can bring your own or rent them.

· Camera or mobile phone for photos.

· Passport and Inca Trail entrance ticket are necessary to bring.

· Water bottle or Camelbak.

· Snacks, gels, energy bars, sweets, and/or chocolates.

· Sunglasses.

· Personal hygiene items and medications, including wet wipes.

· It is highly recommended to pack light.

RELEVANT INFORMATION

· This proposal is a quotation and does not constitute a reservation, nor does it ensure availability of the Inca Trail for the group.

· Excluding personal luggage porters, the team would consist of: 01 guide + 01 assistant guide + 01 cook + 01 assistant cook + 10 porters.

· Due to the physical demands, it is not very common for hikers arriving at Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail to climb Wayna Picchu that same morning. If desired, it would be necessary to buy tickets well in advance, as this hike, which takes approximately two hours, has limited passenger capacity per day and is highly sought after.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

While travel insurance is not mandatory, we recommend acquiring international travel insurance to safeguard against any emergencies during the journey. This information should be provided before arrival.

ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL

The authorities managing the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (where the Inca Trail is located) allow only 500 people per day to visit the Inca Trail. This count includes the staff accompanying travelers (guides, porters, cooks), totaling approximately 300 people. Hence, it is advisable to make reservations at least 3 months in advance.

Inca Trail tickets (=authorization) are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are requested from the Ministry of Culture (INC). Reservations are accepted only if they contain the following details:

· Full names (verify name accuracy)

· Nationality

· Date and place of birth

· Passport number

Additionally, the Inca Trail reservation requires a pre-payment. A refund of this pre-payment is not possible under any circumstances. This measure was introduced by the authorities to prevent unscrupulous practices and unfair competition by informal agencies.

It is worth noting that authorities in Cusco do not accept changes to names or passport numbers. In case you have obtained a new passport (after reserving the Inca Trail), you must carry your old passport to be shown at the control station at the beginning of the Inca Trail. If you no longer have your old passport, you must bring a legalized copy of your old passport to be allowed entry to the Inca Trail.