Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu5 days/4 night
| Country | PERU |
| Trip Duration | 5 days, 4 nights |
| Season | March to January |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Activities | Hiking, Inca History, |
| Transport | Bus and train |
Trip Highlights
Highlights
Inca Trail, Andean land Scopes, Birding, Inca History, Quechua Culture and good food!!
Overview
The Inka Trail to the sacred city of Machu Picchu will take us on a journey through Inka history, with the geography and environment providing a spectacular backdrop to this exceptional trek.
The ingenuity of the Andean people is demonstrated by each step carved out of the granite rock following the steep geography of the Andes mountains in the Peruvian south-east. Surrounded by Apus or guardian mountains, the Inka Pachakuteq built this magnificent Inka city, which was forgotten upon the arrival of the Spanish, until it was rediscovered by the explorer Hiram Bingham at the beginning of the last century.
Today, 100 years after the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, we will follow the Inka Trail to one of the most important cities of the fantastic Inka kingdom.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1. Cusco - Piscacucho - Huayllabamba
We leave the city of Cusco early heading into the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. We will stop in the town of Ollantaytambo to do some last minute shopping, and then continue on to Piscacucho or Km 82 of the railroad to Machu Picchu, where we will register with the SHMP authorities. We will then begin our trek along this beautiful path through the mountains of Cusco towards the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
Our path will follow the flow of the Wilka Mayo River, also known as the Urubamba or Sacred River of the Inkas. Then we will head uphill into the mountains to find the archaeological site of Llaqtapata, in a magnificent Inka location. We keep following the Inka trail, appreciating the local flora we see along the way. We will stop in Tarayoq (2670 masl / 8761 ft), to enjoy our lunch and to have a short rest.
We will resume our walk along a path skirting the mountains through a sculpted geography of granite rock. Finally we arrive at our campsite in Huallabamba, where we will enjoy our dinner and spend the night.
Altitude Piscacucho: 2,670 mt / 8,761 ft
Distance: 6.83 km / 4.25 ml
Approximate walking time: 2:40 hr
Altitude Tarayoq (lunch): 2,670 mt / 8,761 ft
Vertical variation: + 284 mt/ + 933 ft
Distance: 4.06 km / 2.52 ml
Approximate walking time: 2:20 hr
Maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Minimum temperature: 15°C / 59°F
| Meals | Snacks, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accommodation | Camp |
| Hiking distance | 10.89 km / 6.77 ml |
| Hiking time | 5 hours |
| Maximum altitude | 2,954 mt / 9,694 ft |
Day 2. Huayllabamba - Warmi WañusKa pass - Pacaymayu
After a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we begin our walk along the Inka Trail in a dense cloud forest and natives trees of Qeuña trees (Polylepis spp) Unca tress (Myrcianthes oreophyla), before arrive to the highest point on the walk today, the mountain pass known as Warmi Wañuska (Dead woman pass) where we will feel closer to the Andean sky.
We will begin our descent along this magnificent stone path to arrive at the campsite of Pacaymayo valley. Here we will have dinner and spend the night.
Altitude Huallabamba: 2,954 mt / 9,694 ft
Altitude Pacaymayo: 3,627 mt/ 11,900 ft
Maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Minimum temperature: 0°C / 32°F
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and dinner |
| Accommodation | Camp |
| Hiking distance | 7.10 km / 4.40 ml |
| Hiking time | 5 to 6 hours |
| Maximum altitude | 4,226 mt / 13,866 ft |
| Altitude change | + 1,272 mt / + 4,172 ft |
Day 3. Pacay Mayu - Runcuracay Pass - Phuyupatamarka
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we begin our walk towards the archaeological site of Runkurakay, nestled among steep peaks. Continuing our walk uphill we reach the pass of Runkarakay, the last high altitude challenge on our trek to Machu Picchu. We enjoy the ecological level known as Puna along this section of the trail, where the high altitude grass known as Ichu dominates the landscape and surrounds small Andean lakes. On this trail we also find the archaeological sites of Sayaqmarka and Conchapata. After visiting these sites, our path takes us by a original stone trail to our third pass, Phuyupatamarka (About the Clouds) impressive views of the mountains of Vilcabamba and Urubamba ranges and the valley of Urubamba river goes around Machupicchu mountain. After resting we can visit the Phuyupatamarka lookout (just 5 minutes from the campsite) and enjoy the sunset amid imposing snow-capped peaks. Dinner and overnight.
Altitude Pacaymayo: 3,627 mt / 11,900 ft
Altitude Phuyupatamarka: 3,688 mt / 12,100 ft
Maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Minimum temperature: 0°C / 32°F
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accommodation | Camp |
| Hiking distance | 6.22 km / 3,87 ml |
| Hiking time | 5 to 6 hours |
| Maximum altitude | 3,974 mt / 13,039 ft |
| Altitude change | + 347 mt / + 1139 ft |
Day 4. Phuyupatamarka - Huiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu
We will leave after breakfast to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarka, which has a view of the back of the Machu Picchu Mountain.
Continuing along this incredible Inka trail, we find ourselves surrounded by native vegetation from the high jungle of the Eastern Andes of Peru. the site of Wiñay Wayna, now we are getting close to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
A short descent along the trail takes us to the Inti Punku and our magnificent first glimpse of the legendary lost city of the Inkas. We will cross Machu Picchu to take our transport down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where after checking into our hotels, we will have a well-earned rest.
Altitude Phuyupatamarka: 3,688 mt / 12,100 ft
Altitude Wiñay Wayna: 2,729 mt / 8,954 ft
Altitude Inti Punku: 2,732 mt / 8,964 ft
Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,400 mt / 7,873 ft
Altitude Aguas Calientes: 2,088 mt / 6,850 ft
Maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Minimum temperature: 15°C / 59°F
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Hiking distance | 7.29 km / 4.53 ml (to Inti Punku) |
| Hiking time | 6 to 7 hours |
| Maximum altitude | 3,688 mt / 12,100 ft |
| Altitude change | -1600 mt / -5,257 ft |
Day 5. Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast we take the bus up to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu to begin our tour of this important historical sanctuary.
The geographical location of this important site is impressive. Located in the cloud forest ecological level, we can appreciate the skill developed by the Inkas to dominate this difficult environment.
Here we can see the most important site developed by the Inkas, finding observatories, temples, water fountains and sun dials, the fine Stone-work standing out in a wide variety of architectonic styles.
After our tour we will have lunch and then return to Cusco. We will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Altitude Aguas Calientes: 2,088 mt / 6,850 ft
Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,400 mt / 7,873 ft (guided tour)
Altitude Aguas Calientes: 2,088 mt / 6,850 ft
Altitude Cusco: 3,400 mt/ 11,154 ft
Maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Minimum temperature: 10°C / 50°F
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |
| Accommodation | Not include (contact our office) |
| Hiking time | Full day |
| Maximum altitude | 3,400 mt/ 11,154 ft |
| Altitude change | 1,312 mt / 4,303 ft |
Included
- Private tourist transportation Cusco - Km 82
- English – Spanish speaking guide for 5 days
- Guided assistance (up to 9 passengers)
- Self- inflating mattresses (Model Gardan – Doite)
- Cook and assistance
- Cooking equipment
- Snacks
- Daily tea service
- Dining equipment Including chairs and tables
- Portable environmental toilet (The Pett)
- Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 4 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu
- Lunch on the 5th day (At Sanctuary Lodge Hotel)
- Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
- Personal trekking food – nutritionally balanced menu
- Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – REI-Arete 3 season tends, National Geographic – Tacoma III) Single tents available for extra cost (USD$ 20.00 per night)
- Porter Service. As detailed in the table authorized by the INC. (To carry our camping equipment and up to 8 kgs (17.63 pounds) per passenger including sleeping bag (2 kgs – 4.40 pounds)
- Inka Trail entrance fee, valid for 4 days
- Inka Trail entrance fee for porters
- Visit to Machu Picchu on the 5th day
- Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters
- Down bus ticket for passenger – 4th day
- Down bus ticket for guide – 4th day
- Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu for passenger – 5th day
- Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu for guide – 5th day
- Return train ticket to Poroy - Vistadome / according to the availability we will use the same category of train to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation from the train station to Cusco
- A Peru Sur Nativa kit with 100% biodegradable products (toiletries)
- First-aid kit
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- The loan of a waterproof Peru Sur Nativa bag to carry personal belongings
- Insurance policy for our porters
- Pre trek informative briefing
Not Included
- Sleeping bag per person (- 8 °C. - Summit – Doite - Mommy shape) our bags are cleaned after every use. Weight: 2 kg (4.40 pounds) (Peru Sur Nativa they have for rent)
- Sleeping liner
- Pillows
- Walking sticks
- Extra expenses
- Not detailed meals
- Excess baggage, if any passengers wish to take more than the limit of 8 kg (17.63 pounds) per person, they will be required to pay the cost of an extra porter
- Tips (optional)
Bring
- Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
- Waterproof clothing (poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sun cream and insect repellent
- Water bottles such as Nalgene
- Basic medications
- Walking sticks
- Swimsuit and towel
- Personal items
- Personal snacks
- Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Peru Sur Nativa offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
- Original Passport
Contact Us
Photos
