The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 days


THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu 4 days - 2024

Type of Tour : Adventure, Cultural


Activity(s) Hiking, Trekking


The Inca Trails is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan - refers to the network of trails) were without a doubt is one of the marvels of Tahuantinsuyo, according to the Peruvian historian, José Antonio del Busto, who explains that the Inca “King” Huayna Capac most increased the network of trails in order to quickly mobilize his army.

The trails varied in quality and size, they could be 6 to 8 meters wide on the coast but, in the mountains the paving was only one meter wide but the path was audaciously steep and climbed over the difficult Andean mountains..

Map

THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL to Machu Picchu 4 days - 2024 map

Itinerary

DAY 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Km 82 Inca Trail Entrance - Wayllabamba

Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.
Distance: 11kms/6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending

img-Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Km 82 Inca Trail Entrance - Wayllabamba

Our journey to Machu Picchu through the classical Inca trail begins at your hotel, from where you will be picked up after the breakfast (optional) around 6:00 – 6:30. From your hotel you will have a transfer 2 – 2.5 hours with your guide to our starting point which is called km 82. At the starting point you need to show your Inca Trail permission card, your original passport, and your ISIC card if you have one.Here the Inca Trail begins and we will start hiking for 2 hours to Miskay, where we are going to enjoy a nice lunch. The hike to Miskay is a flat and a beautiful walk, where we can enjoy the incredible flora of the landscape around us.

After the lunch we are going to have another two hours hike to Wayllabamba (3.000 m.) which will be our camping spot. We will arrive there at 5:00 pm in the afternoon, and we will enjoy a nice dinner from our personal professional chef at 6:30 pm. After the dinner we will settle down for the night.

img-Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Km 82 Inca Trail Entrance - Wayllabamba

DAY 2: Trekking Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc / Runkuraqay

Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.
Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.

img-Trekking Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc / Runkuraqay

At the second day the guides wakes us up at 5:30 with warm tee, so we can get a good start of the day at the Inca trail and we will eat breakfast at 6:00. Our first hike of this day begins at 6:30 and it will take around 5 hours (7 km) to get from our camp to the high spot which is called dead woman pass (4.600 m), where you can experience the female spirit, a woman that lives on the side of the mountain.

From this place we have a 2 hour hike down to our second camping spot (Pacamayu 3,600 m), where we finally will have our lunch after 7 hours of hiking in total on the Inca trail. At the camp we will rest and around 6.30 we will have dinner. Later we will get comfortable under our blankets, so we can stay warm for the cold night.

img-Trekking Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc / Runkuraqay

DAY 3: Trekking Pacaymayuc to Winayhuayna

Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.
Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Moderate

img-Trekking Pacaymayuc to Winayhuayna

We get up at 6:00 am and breakfast will be served by the chef at 6:30. At 7:00 we will start hiking. This day is a very special and beautiful day where we will pass 3 Inca ruins along the Inca trail. To get to the first Inca ruin Runkqurakay (3.800 m.), we have to hike one hour up; thereafter we have another hour of walking to the second high spot, Runku Pass (4.000 m.). After the second Inca ruin it will get easier, from there we will walk down for 45 m. to Sayacmarka (3580 m.).

After the visit we will have 25 min. to chakicoccha (3.600 m) where we will enjoy our lunch in natural surroundings and incredible landscape. After the lunch we have a one hour hiking to Phuyupatamarka (3.60 m), which is the last hike on the Inca trail of this day. On this place we can find the last Inca construction for today.

From this point we will have an easy two hour walk down to Wiñnahuayna (2.600 m), where we will settle our camp and our chef will make a nice buffet to everyone so we can say goodbye to the chefs and the porters in a very nice way at 6.30. If you still have energy left after the hike, you can visit the archaeological site of Wiñay Huayna, only 5 minutes from our camp spot, a really delightful site on the Inbca trail with a lot of terraces and ruins.

img-Trekking Pacaymayuc to Winayhuayna

DAY 4: Trekking Winayhuayna Inti Punku & Machupicchu guided Tour

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy
 

img-Trekking Winayhuayna  Inti Punku & Machupicchu guided Tour

On the last day we get up very early 3:30 and eat breakfast at 4:00. After the breakfast we begin hiking to the first checkpoint which opens at 5:30. After the checkpoint we have one hour of hiking to the Sun gate, from where we will have great views of Machu Picchu and all the surrounding mountains. Here we will have 20 min. to rest. Thereafter we have 10 min. down to the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu. Here the Inca trail ends and we will enter the wonder of Machu Picchu. At the city, we have to pass the second checkpoint for leaving our bags and it will cost you 3 soles for every back, which is necessary.

There you will also need to show your passport, the ticket and the ISIC card if you have one. Thereafter your guide will show you around the Machu Picchu and the different important sites, ruins and temples of the site from 8:00 to 10:00. After the tour you will have some free time to explore the city, its many different roads and its beautiful surroundings. After you have enjoyed the magnificent city of the Incas you have to use your bus ticket to get down to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The “expedition train” leaves at 6.30 in the evening and arrives at Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. At Ollantaytambo there will be a bus waiting for you to take you back to Cusco. Here your journey will end at 10:30 in the night.

img-Trekking Winayhuayna  Inti Punku & Machupicchu guided Tour

More Information

CLASSIC

Transfers In / Out.
Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time. 
Transport picked up from your hotel in Cusco to Piscacucho, the starting Inca Trail trek.
Adventure Experienced Classic Inca Trail Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
Entrances tickets to Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 snacks, 3 dinners – Vegetarian food, or other diet requirements can be arranged with no further charge.
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience. Enjoy and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents and all our tents are for 4 people 4-person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule in the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and poles so you don't have to bring in dirt.

Night 1: The 1st night in Wayllabamba or Ayapata on the route Inca Trail.
Night 2: The 2nd night in Pacaymayo or Chaquicocha on the route Inca Trail.
Night 3: The 3rd night in Wiñay Wayna or Phuyupatamarca on the route Inca Trail.


Professional cook.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle.
Camping equipment (2 person tents, mattresses, Cooking equipment, tables and chairs).
Porters / Horses (who carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inca Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Train tickets (EXPEDITION): From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
Transfer back to Cusco: Touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
Free luggage store: At ITEP Travel, we are always looking for ways to improve your travel experience and as such, we strive to provide you with the best service available. For this reason we offer to store your Luggage during your scheduled treks with us.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins to Aguas Calientes (one way): After a 4 days trek and an amazing Machupicchu experience; we just want to relax and enjoy our friends; So We don´t trek more.

CONFORT (All previus Classic service +)

Return Train in Vistadome Panoramic Service.
Extra Porter for personal items (for up to 5Kg).

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear.
Travel Insurance.
No porter por carry personal belongings.
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not, as you wish. “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction. 
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

EXTRA services for tour Inca Trail

Walking sticks (US$15 for a pair of sticks)
Extra porter for personal items (US$150 for up to 15 Kg)
Upgrade to Single room in Aguas Calientes (US$35)
Upgrade to Vistadome train (US$50)
Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (US$60) – There is only a limited space at Wayna Picchu (400 persons per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in whole Peru.

  CONFORT PREMIUM
  Machupicchu Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu mountain Machupicchu Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu mountain
Inca Trail 4D - 2024 USD 659.00 + USD 60.00 USD 799.00 + USD 60.00

Original Passport
Day Pack   
Full rain gear or poncho
Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
Headlamp Sunglasses             
Hiking Socks Sunscreen
Insect repellent Bathing suit
Trekking pants
Breathable dry fit top-wear 
Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
Cold-weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
Hiking boots
Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
Headlamp Sunglasses             
Hiking Socks Sunscreen
Insect repellent 
Bathing suit
Casual mountains wear for evenings 
Photo/video cameras and chargers 
Binoculars
Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended) 

OPTIONAL items to bring

 Shorts
 Walking stick (with rubber tip)
 Plasters and bandages
 Sandals
 Baiting suit for the hot springs
 Extra money for personal expensive, tips and entrance fees for hot springs (entrance fee for the hot spring is: US$ 4 / 10 Soles), (recommended 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra money)

DISCOUNTS: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trip (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

NOTES

The Itinerary can change according to the Peruvian government, climate and health status of the trekkers.
 The train schedule can change according to availability of the train company.
 The train that we provide is the expedition train to Ollantaytambo – if someone books a train ticket in the last minute it is not sure that they can come in the same train as the other group.
 If you would like to change your train schedule or tickets, you have to pay more for the transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the price change of the train.

LIMITED spaces

YES. To protect the historical trail of the Inkas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why, you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to six months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.

We highly  recommended  to do your trekking to the Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountains in order to have the most stunning views of the archaeological place(Machupicchu)

HUAYNA PICCHU mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with  us and takes 45 minutes to reach  the top and 45 minutes to came back down. Great oportunity to take  lots of photos, because of the incredible views . 
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you will see just  behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; the  Incas paths hidden alongside the mountain, it may frighten those  who have a fear of heights.

For those of you who struggle with heights you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow.

There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights we would recommend taking a different route. You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

MACHUPICCHU mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu  with stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching the archaeological place which is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the place and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and Urubamba River.

As spectacular as seeing Machu Picchu is, the lost Incas city, tells us just little things  if you don’t see them in a perspective with the surrounding mountains. It is  when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Incas engineery to built their  citys 2,430 meters above sea level without using any  metal tools or  wheel. Why the city was initially built ?,still remains as mystery.


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