day 1
CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - WAYLLABAMBA
- Hiking time: about 5 hours
- Hiking distance: 7.5 miles/ 12 Km.
- Day Trek Grade: Moderate.
- Weather: Warm and windy.
- Altitude: from 2000 m. up to 2400 m. (By Bus).
- Accommodation: Camping
Our trip begins with a pick-up from our hotel at 04.00 am in the direction of the town of Ollantaytambo. This place was considered at the time of the rest of the nobility and stronghold of the resistance during the conquest. In this place you can also have breakfast or prepare your snack of the first day, chocolates that help for the walk, after free time we will take the bus to Km. 82 Piscacucho located (2700 masl) place of the first control.
Where after a well-deserved rest we will have lunch and dinner and here we will spend the night.
day 2
WAYLLABAMBA - WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS - PACAYMAYO
- Hiking time: about 7 hours
- Hiking distance: miles/ 16 Km.
- Day Trek Grade: Difficult.
- Weather: Warm and windy
- Altitude: from 2000 m. up to 4200 m. and from 4200 down to 3600 m.
- Accommodation: Camping
Very early we will have a comfortable breakfast for the start of our second day of adventure, 45 minutes we will arrive at the Wayllabamba control urban zone of the Incan era. From here we will begin a gradual ascent of 1hrs and 30 minutes equivalent (4km) and we will arrive at the first resting point called TRES PIEDRAS where we can find hygienic services, then continue to the archaeological area known as Llullucha pampa 3800 m.a.s.l, continuing our tour for 1 hrs and 45 minutes we will reach the Warmiwañusca pass or also known as dead woman at 4215 m.a.s.l, the highest point of this trip, After some photos we will make the descent in a time of 2hrs and 30 minutes to the Pacay camp May 3600 m.a.s.l where our chef will be waiting for us With tea and our delicious dinner.
Here we will spend our night.
day 3
PACAYMAYO - WIÑAYHUAYNA
- Hiking time: about 7 hours
- Hiking distance: miles/ Km.
- Day Trek Grade: Moderate.
- Weather: Warm.
- Altitude: from 3600 m. up to 4000 m. and from 400 m. down to 2650 m.
- Accommodation: Camping
After a rich breakfast we will continue our walk. Full of vegetation and quantity of Inca archeological sites of different functions. The first archaeological site that we will visit will be Runcurakay (3750 masl.) Which is located 45 minutes from the starting point that is another Inca archaeological complex as a tower that has a site strategic monitoring of the east valley, then we continue to Runcurakay Pass 3900 masl where we have a brief explanation of the Inca culture and then we will descend for the time of 1.30 minutes to the second archaeological site of visit Sayacmarka (area of difficult ascent, due to the difficulty of bleachers) then we will continue the time of 25 minutes to the Chaquicocha lunch point where we will taste a lunch that the chef will prepare us to then continue the walk to the next archaeological site to visit named Puyupatamarca 3750 masl for the time of 2.30 minutes, we will continue with the 3-hour descent of bleachers to our Wiñayhua camp And where we will have our special tea and dinner because this day we will have a farewell ceremony to our porters.
day 4
WIÑAY WAYNA - SUN GATE - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
- Hiking time: about 2 hours hiking + 2 hours guiding visit in Machu Picchu + 3 hours exploring by yourself.
- Hiking distance: miles/ 5 Km.
- Day Trek Grade: Easy.
- Weather: Warm.
- Altitude: from 2650 m. up to 2730 m.
Today is the highlight of the trek, we have the last part of the trail from Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu takes just two hours of hiking and is clearly marked, 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 (Sun Gate) located at 8920 feet above sea level (2719 masl.) which is a view point where we have chance to see Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas far away.
Today begins earlier than normal, at the crack of dawn in hopes to have a good weather for a beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu. Wake up time is at 4:00 am, and we will have our breakfast at 4:30 am. After breakfast we’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and cooks, after this we wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 am. in order to get to Machu Picchu, from Wiñay Huayna the trail is flat and you will walk about 1 hour and 20 minutes until Inti Punku or Sun Gate. Here you’ll get your first fantastic view of Machu Picchu in all its glory and also spectacular views of the mountains and you´ll have a short break and time to take nice 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 7: 40 am. you will reach the last checkpoint and enter to Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour private guided tour of the site, where our tour guide will explain about the History of this Magical Inca City, and visiting all the most important areas. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself between 3-4 hours, and if you have permits to climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you can do it. (If you’re interested in these mountains, please book it in advance). After all this, in the afternoon, you will catch a bus to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, the buses departs every 10 minutes and will be available for you to descend whenever you decide it is time to go.
At about 3:00 pm. we’ll meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes Town to have our last lunch together and you’ll be given your train tickets for your return journey to Cusco. you will arrange to meet 30 minutes before the train departs and then go together to the train station. The train departs at 18:45 hrs. arriving to Ollantaytambo train station at approximately 20:18 hrs. From Ollantaytambo we will provide you, bus back to Cusco.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Pre meeting and briefing of preparation with your tour guide 1 or 2 days before the trek at our Cusco Office.
- Safe storage for your belongings at our office in Cusco while you are hiking.
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Transport from Cusco until Km. 82 (trailhead) in private bus.
- Professional English speaking Tour
- A second Tour Guide (for groups of 9 or more trekkers).
- Cook and cook assistant to prepare all feeding.
- Entrance fees to Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Inca Site.
- All meals during the trek (04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 tea time, 03 dinners).There is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets according to your requirement without charge.
- Boiled water to refill your water bottle every morning from 2nd day.
- Porters to carry all camping equipment, sleeping tents, food and cooking gear.
- Camping Equipment:
- Dormitory Tent (High Quality Mountain Tents for 4 people, it will be used only for 2 people for your better comfort) and also storage of your backpacks.
- Inflatable Mattress Thermarest, given to you at the trail head.
- Dining Tent + camp tables + portables chairs + gas lamp for the evenings.
- Kitchen Tent and full cooking gear for preparing meals.
- First Aid Kit and emergency Oxygen balloon.
- 2 hours guided tour in Machu Picchu Inca site.
- Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu Inca Site to Aguas CalientesT own.
- Return Expedition train ticket on Day 4 from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo train station until your hotel at Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal Trekking gear (please, check the INCA TRAIL packing list).
- Travel Insurance.
- Optional Tips for the travel team (only if you want, at the end of the trail you can give some tips for the tour guide, cook and porters).
RECOMENDATIONS
- Campsite allocations are subject to change depending on availability provided by the Minitery of Culture. (government office in charge of the Inca Trail).
- This itinerary is for reference because the time of departure and arrival to Cusco City may vary according to availability and train schedules.
- After you make the reservation and payment of this tour, we will send you a confirmation e-mail stating the hotel name in Aguas Calientes Town, and the time of your trip by train.
- The 5th day after your visit of Machu Picchu, there is the possibility to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain + USD $. 15.oo per person. This hike lasts about 2 hours round trip. (Book it, when you reserve this tour).
- You can also climb the mountain Machu Picchu, instead of the Huayna Picchu Mountain + USD $ 10.oo per person. This hike lasts about 3 hours round trip. (Book it, when you reserve this tour)..
- You always have the opportunity to climb to the Sun Gate for free and this is a much easier walk for about 1 and half hour round trip, or if you want to have a very short and easy hike you can walk for free to Inca bridge during 1 hour round trip.
PACKING LIST
Many people assume that the weather is hot in South America, but in the zone of the higher altitude of the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. So we provide you the full list to organize your backpack from now, if you don’t have one of them, so you can buy it with some time in advance but if you cannot do it, don’t worry there are many camping stores in Cusco City where you can hire or buy what you need.
Please, check this INCA TRAIL Packing List and remember that everything is very important for the success of your trek.
Documents:
- Original Passport
- Student Card, if you are student
- Travel Insurance (some copies)
- A printed voucher issued for us.
Essential:
- Day pack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Water bottle.
- Purifying tablets or filter
- Some snacks such as cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
- Money belt and some cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs of your visit
Clothes:
- Hiking Shoes and Sandals.
- Warm clothes: especially for the night as thermal jacket, glove, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
- Waterproof clothing (rain jacket and poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (hiking pants, socks, trousers, short pants, 4 t-shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun Hat
Pharmaceutical items:
- Personal medical kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sun block
- Lipstick
Toiletries:
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap / body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush /comb
- Deodorant / body spray
- Toilet paper
Other items:
- Flashlight (head lamp recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Photo Camera with extra memory cards and batteries.
- Walking poles with rubber-tipped (Optional).
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags.
- A sense of humor.
- We recommend a previous acclimatization in Cuzco City, for at least 2 days and general good health
F.A.Qs
How to get to Cusco?
Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Please remember that Cusco airport is only for domestic travel. If you are coming directly from overseas through Lima, you must retrieve your luggage in Lima and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco, including LATAM Airlines, Jet Smart, and Sky Airlines. They all offer similar schedules, but we usually recommend the airlines that tend to be more accommodating in case of unexpected flight cancellations or delays.
How to know if the Inca Trail tour is for me?
The 4-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved Inca paths from ancient times, and not everyone can secure a spot. It is designed for passengers who can walk without the need for extensive training, but who can move independently. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Inca Trail.
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour?
The Andean region has two main seasons: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can have rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, or even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail is open from the first day of March each year until the end of January. Nowadays, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu all year round, with the highest influx of tourists being from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest, so the climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8ºC and 20ºC. It is advisable to bring both warm and light clothing.
Is the Inca Trail tour closed in February?
Yes, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February due to the rainy season.
How many days in advance do I need to be in Cusco to acclimatize?
It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the Inca Trail tour begins so you can acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness during the trek. We can help you organize day hikes and other tours around Cusco for acclimatization purposes.
What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?
Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are hikes with restricted permits that must be done within specified time slots. These permits/tickets will be arranged by Alpaca Expeditions, but they need to be secured a few months before your trip. Both hikes offer incredible views of Machu Picchu from viewpoints directly above. Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours to reach the summit and offers spectacular views on clear days, but the views are often restricted by clouds. Huayna Picchu takes 45 minutes to reach the top and is definitely the most popular of the two options. All views are amazing.
What is the difference between the short Inca Trail treks and the classic Inca Trail treks?
The short 2-day Inca Trail treks are very different from the 4-day trips, which we consider our classic full treks. On the 2-day trip, you will have one day of hiking and one day at Machu Picchu. For your overnight stay, you can choose between comfortable hotel accommodations. Porters are not included, so you will carry all of your own belongings for this trip. This option is ideal for those who want to witness stunning views from the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail but may not have enough time for the classic trek. It is also a great choice for beginner hikers or families with young children. Our 4-day Inca Trail tours cover much more ground and expose you to more experiences on the Inca Trail. As you trek and camp, you will pass multiple archaeological sites and enjoy unforgettable mountain views as you make your way to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Our longer tours include several gourmet meals on the trail, porters to help carry bags, and comfortable private campsites. This tour is perfect for visitors seeking a challenge and a deeper experience in the Andes.
How is the reservation process?
FIRST: To make a reservation, send us an email to [email protected] to check availability and receive personalized reservation forms: All customers must complete a Passenger Details form when proceeding with the reservation. This form is prepared with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any permits 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 book it as quickly as possible due to the high demand for permits throughout the year.
SECOND: Sakura Expedition will request completion of a reservation form with all the details and then a $200 deposit 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 a confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed and guaranteed.
Will I receive travel information before the trip?
One day before your trip departure, you will receive detailed information from your Guide, either in a group or personal briefing, at your hotel.
Passport Number Updates 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-issued identification will be accepted as long as the name matches. Also, make sure your passport does not expire within six months from the start of your trip.
Can I spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes?
Of course, if you are okay with taking the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 6:20 PM, then there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes (the town at the entrance of Machu Picchu), make sure you inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.
Do I need hiking boots?
We always recommend mountain boots. Those with ankle support are particularly helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Since you will be descending many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at different heights, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
Should I use hiking poles?
Hiking poles are always useful for hikers and are recommended for this trek. There are so many stairs you will be descending, all made by the Incas. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using hiking poles can help alleviate the pressure on your knees during this part of the trail. They will also assist you in climbing the mountain. For those bringing their own, make sure to have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget them before departing.
What about the remaining balance?
It would be much 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.
What size backpack is recommended for hiking?
Generally, a 30 to 60-liter backpack is sufficient.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Absolutely! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or your hotel, both free of charge.
Are tips given?
Giving tips is part of the tradition for any trek to Machu Picchu. While we do pay good wages to all our staff, any extra gesture is always appreciated. Please note that this is not obligatory, and you should never feel pressured to do so.
