day 1
KM. 104 - INTI PUNKU - AGUAS CALIENTES
- Hiking Time: Aprox. 6 hours.
- Walking distance: 12 Km. / 7.60 millas.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Weather: Hot.
- Elevation: From 2000 m. going up to 2700 m. and from 2700 going down to 2400 m.
- Accommodation: Hotel
Highlights of the day: Explore the Inca Trail from Km. 104 in a day full of emotions … Arrive walking in the afternoon to Machu Picchu and enjoy its magic and charm…
We pick you up very early from your Cusco Hotel, and then we will go during 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo Train Station from where we caught a the Train. From here the rail road goes beside of the Urubamba river, along the way you will see spectacular views of farmlands and the Veronica snowcapped peak. After 1 hour and 30 minutes you will get the Km. 104 –the trail head- Here is located the first check point where we are going to show the passports, permits and entrances tickets. After this control we start our trek and we will find the first archeological site called Chachabamba (2100 m.) which we visit with the explanations from our guide. From Chachabamba we will walk going up for about 3 hours, and in this part we will find several cascades, and we will reach the next archeological site called Wiñay Wayna (2600 m./ 8500 feet), which is the most beautiful inca place on the Inca Trail and unfortunately not many people get to see. There are some water fountains, temples and some agricultural terraces which provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about the Inca culture.
From Wiñay Wayna we will walk for about one and half hour to get the Sun Gate. The path is narrow, traverses a lush cloud forest of giant ferns and brings a short part with almost vertical ascent of about 50 steps to Inti Punku or Sun Gate located at 8920 feet (2719 masl.). This is a view point, where you’ll get your first fantastic view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings with spectacular views of the mountains and you´ll have a short break and time to take nice panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu.
From the Sun Gate you´ll hike about 40 minutes going down, as we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city just get better and better! . You will have plenty of time to take photos of the “Lost city of the Incas”, from the classic postcard view and different angles around, and finally at about 5: 00 pm. you will reach Machu Picchu. After taking photos we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes Town during 30 minutes, where we spend the night in a confortable hotel, our dinner will be at the tourist restaurant which is included. During dinner our tour guide will provide you very important information about your next day, so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu on the last day.
After all this, it is advisable to go to sleep at a reasonable time in order to wake up in the early hours of the morning to get to Machu Picchu.
day 2
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
- Hiking Time: 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 4 hours exploring by yourself.
- Walking Distance: It depends on the area you want to explore at Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Weather: Hot.
- Elevation: From 2000 m going up to 2400 m (By bus).
Highlights of the day: Arrive early to Machu Picchu – even before trekkers from the Inca Trail Expedition and the travelers by train … Enjoy a superb sunrise on a clear morning in Machu Picchu … Optional with a pre-booked Inca Trail Adventure, you can climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain…
This is the most important day of our Peru Inca Trail Expedition, as we will start our second day very early in order to get to Machu Picchu before even the Inca Trail Trekkers and the people from the tourist trains, and to have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu. After our breakfast, we will leave from our hotel in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am and hike towards the Bus Station (2000 m.a.s.l.), from where we will ascend in a tourist bus for 30 minutes by a zig-zag road until the Inca Sanctuary of MACHU PICCHU (2400 m.a.s.l.).
We will see this amazing place and start our guided visit, which will last approximately 2 hours with our professional Tour Guide, where they will explain about the history, visiting magical and interesting places that have made Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World. After the tour, you will have enough free time to take photos, walk or explore the site by yourselves, and there is the possibility of hiking up to the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu or climbing up to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain depending on availability and pre-booking.
Then in the afternoon, after enjoying Machu Picchu, we will take the tourist bus down for about 25 minutes to Aguas Calientes Town, where you will have time to have lunch in one of the good restaurants. At 6:00 pm we will board the return train to take us to Ollantaytambo Town arriving at 7:50 pm. Here our transfer will be waiting for you, who will bring you in a tourist bus back to Cusco arriving at 9:30 pm approximately, and finally we will leave you at your Cusco hotel.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Pre-trip information: One day before the start of the trip, you will have a meeting with the guide to receive detailed information. The meeting can be in a group at our office or at your hotel, and will be held at 6:00 p.m.
- Transportation: We will pick you up in a private vehicle from your hotel and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will take the train to Km 104.
- Train ticket: Includes train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Experienced guide: You will have a professional licensed guide for the Inca Trail, who will explain the culture and environment along the route and keep you safe and comfortable during the hike.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail.
- Accommodation: Includes one night in a 3-star hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided, as well as snacks (with vegetarian, vegan or special options at no extra cost).
- Snacks: Snacks include local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, etc. that will be delivered at the beginning of each day in a cloth bag.
- Cloth bag for snacks: To avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute the environment, we will provide a cloth bag for your snacks.
- Medical kit: Our team will carry a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train tickets: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included (Peru Rail “Expedition” service at 6:20 p.m., subject to availability).
- Transportation: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco is included (day 2).
- 24-hour customer service: A 24-hour telephone service is available to facilitate communication and preparation with the travel agency.
- Memorable experience: We will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
- Round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Hiking poles: You can rent a set of hiking poles from our company if desired.
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch and dinner on the second day in Aguas Calientes.
- Day pack.
- Hygiene products: a small towel will be provided before each meal to wash your hands.
- Personal clothing and equipment.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff: keep in mind that our agency staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
- Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (landscape, bad weather, modification of the itinerary due to a security problem, illness, change in government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
OPTIONAL:
- Luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket with “Vistadome” (premiere class).
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes.
- Visit to Huaynapicchu: additional cost of USD 75.00.
Important reminder: This hike does NOT include porters. You will carry all your belongings while you walk. Therefore, it is crucial to pack as lightly as possible. A lightweight backpack is key to feeling good.
RECOMENDATIONS
- Book your Inca Trail Expedition as soon as possible since permits sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your Expedition as it will serve as a prior acclimatization to your hike.
- Remember that the city of Cusco is at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level.
- Check your personal items that you will be taking on the trip.
- Visit us at our main office located in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco, 1 day before your hike at 7:00 pm, to receive an informative talk about the journey led by the Tour Guide.
- This will help you be much more informed, secure, and ready for your tour.
- Leave the luggage you won’t take on the Expedition for free at our main office storage.
- Don’t forget to carry your updated Personal Documents as they will be required by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
WILL THE INCA TRAIL BE FOR ME?
- Definitely YES! The Inca Trail is one of those things that nobody should miss the opportunity to do, at least once in a lifetime; whether you’re a woman or a man, young or old, in good or bad physical condition… the Inca Trail is simply for EVERY
PACKING LIST
- Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the plane upon entering Peru)
- Good backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: the water tank such as Camelbaks or bottles are good for this walk.
- Water for the beginning of your walk. We will stock you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (light with good soles)
- 1 wick / hiking shirt and hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day: remember that you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- 2 sets of underwear that include a pair of hiking socks
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Sun hat
- Bathing suits for hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
- Sunscreen cream
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Personal first aid kit
- Camera
- IPhone / iPod for music
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips.
F.A.Qs
- How to know if it is Inca Trail Tour is for me? The 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved roads of the Inca era where not everyone manages to buy the quota, it is made for every passenger that you can walk without having to do a lot of training just really want to walk, but that you can mobilize alone, However, you always recommend having a little time in Cusco to acclimatize yourself by the altitude of the city of Cusco before starting the Inca trail .
- What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour? The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the best dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that, despite being a rainy season, on the same day there may be rain and sun rising, cloudy skies and even a lot of sun.The Inca trail opens from the first day of March of each year until the end of January by day, tourists from all over the world come to visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the highest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is in the jungle, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8 º and 20 º C. It is advisable to wear clothes for cold and heat.
- IS THE INCA ROAD TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY? Since it is a rainy season the road is closed for maintenance.
- HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACLIMATE ME? It is very important to be well accustomed to the altitude before straining on a hike. so that you can acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while you are on the hike.We can help you organize day trips and other tours of Cusco for acclimatization: City tour Cusco – Half day tour / City Tour Matinal Tour Valley Sacred – Full day tour If you have already been in another area of Peru of high altitude before arriving in Cusco, we recommend that you have a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before leaving for the walk.
- How is the reservation process: FIRST To make a reservation, send us an email [email protected] to check availability and receive personalized reservation forms: All customers must complete a Passenger Details form at the time of booking. Go to the reservation This form is prepared with the following information (OF EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot buy any Salkantay Trek Classic permit or ticket 5 days without the following information: * Personal information (full name, exactly as in your passport): * Gender * Passport number * Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy) * Nationality Once you make your reservation we will reserve as quickly as possible for the large number of Operators looking to get space for the whole year.SEGUNDO, Sakura Expedition will ask to complete a reservation form with all the details and then a deposit of $ 200 per person . Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. When the permits are in our hands, we will send you your confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed and will be guaranteed.
- BEFORE TRAVELING, WILL I RECEIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION? One day before the departure of your trip, you will receive detailed information with your Guide, this may be group or personal in your Hotel
- UPDATE OF PASSPORT NUMBERS The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the previous passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government identification document will be accepted, provided the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire after six months and less during the course of your trip.
- HOW TO GET TO CUSCO Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport is only for national trips. If you come directly from abroad through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and check them again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly back and forth between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Sky airlines. All offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or AVIANCA airlines. They tend to be the most formal when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
- CAN I SPEND AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES ? Of course, if you agree to take the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 18:20 at night, then there is no additional charge To return the train one day. If you need us to insure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will have an additional cost. If you choose to spend another night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so that your train ticket is purchased for the correct day.
- DO YOU NEED WALK BOOTS? We always recommend hiking boots. Those who have ankle support are helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be going down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at different heights, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
- SHOULD I USE WALK STICKS? The canes are always useful for hikers, and are recommended for this hike. There are so many stairs that will go down and all made by the Incas. They vary in height and are not all straight. The use of canes can help relieve knee pressure by making this part of the path. In addition, they will help you climb the mountain too. For those who bring their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget before leaving.
- THE PENDING BALANCE? It would be highly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money.
- HOW MANY LITERS IS THE WALK BACKPACK RECOMMENDED? Generally, a backpack of 30 to 60 liters is enough.
- CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE? Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both free of charge.
- DO YOU TIP? Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While it is true we pay good salaries to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured by this.
