Classic Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 5 days / 4 nights


View from Huayna Picchu Mountain

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings; these include different ecological areas from high deserts to Andean Tropical rain forests. Following this ancient Inca Trail we will be walking past mysterious archaeological sites, half covered by jungle overgrowth, that look like you are discovering them for the first time, and finally arriving to the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail 5d/4n is for those people who want to do the Classic Inca Trail trek and climb the Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu sacred mountains.

Only the Peruvian Cultural Institute INC sell the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu permit combined with a Machu Picchu entrance for the price of US$75. To get the best value from this US$75 you should stay the night in Aguas Calientes and re-visit Machu Picchu the next day, the beginning of that following day being dedicated to climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain; this way you get to enjoy Machu Picchu for a full extra day (a walk to Inca bridge can complete this great experience). This is especially a good opportunity in wet season to give you a second opportunity to see Machu Picchu with a good clear weather!.

So this package includes the second entrance to Machu Picchu on the 5th day, permits to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, the train in the afternoon to go back to Cusco and arriving at around 9pm on your 5th day.

Note: tickets to Huaynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain are limited by the Peruvian Culture Institute. Inka Trail Expeditions Perú advices you to book yours in advance, better if it is at the same time of your Inca trail reservation.


Itinerary


Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 days - Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho – Wayllabamba

Everyone is collected early from their hotels and we all travel by bus for a bit more than three hours, passing by the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, until reaching the kilometer 82, the actual start of the trail.

We start our trek escorted by native "Quechua" porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River valley, with magnificent views of the snowcapped mountain, Veronica (5822 meters).

We cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ("Happy Bridge"). It is then a simple descent down to the Cusichaca River.

For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 meters). The name in Quechua means "Grassy plain". We spend the first night here beside some spectacular ruins which, if you have the energy, we have time to explore.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 days - Day 2: Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayu

After a delicious breakfast, we start our second day of trekking, perhaps the most difficult, as we have to climb to the pass of the impressive Warmihuañusca ("Dead woman´s Pass") at 4,200 meters high. In this place, the highest in the Inca Trail, we enjoy a spectacular view of the Andes. The path continues on following a mountain stream up past hummingbirds and amazing stunted cloud forest. We pass by the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchapampa (3680 meters), which also possesses outstanding views down the valley.

After lunch, we start the descent towards the valley of Pacaymayu, where we make our second camp.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 days - Day 3: Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna

From Pacaymayu it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayu valley below. Another 45 minutes´ hike brings you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000 meters). At last you feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with preserved paving for the most part.

The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means "Inaccessible Town" and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. Even though till this very day no one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.

You have to back track a little to rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a Tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 days - Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu

After an early morning chance to catch the sunrise on the surrounding snowcapped mountains of Salcantay and Veronica, we offer a farewell to our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final day of hiking brings us down the cloud forest on a series of Inca stairs to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. Finally we reach Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hotel in the colorful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formally known as Aguas Calientes) and celebrate our return to civilization.

In the late morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, after which you have a couple of hours for more exploring on your own, or just collapse under a tree in the central plaza area. If you are exhausted from so much walking just stay in Aguas Calientes and enjoy its hot springs as you have a second opportunity to see all of Machu Picchu well rested the day after!

Machupicchu is officially open from 6 am to 5:30 pm so could also soak in the hot springs in the afternoon or evening after you Machu Picchu tour.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 days - Day 5: 2nd entrance to Machu Picchu / Free time to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain

After an early breakfast you can walk or take the bus back up to explore more of Machu Picchu and of course go for your climb of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you were tired yesterday then this is the right time to really capture Machu Picchu today so better start out early as buses are available from 5:30 am and depart every 10 minutes.

You can store your backpack in your hotel and make sure you get back down to Aguas Calientes at least an hour before your train departure which is generally at 6:45 pm but you should recheck this with your guide on day 4. Grab some snacks and drinks before boarding the train as the journey back to Cusco is about 4 hours long!


More Information


  • Transfers In / Out.
  • Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek, one or two days before the tour.
  • Transportation from Cusco to Km 82/Piscacucho (where we start walking).
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu and the ruins along the trail, except for Huayna Picchu.
  • Entrance Fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • 2nd entrance fee to Machupicchu and Machupicchu mountain or Huaynapicchu Mountain.
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (Inca Trail).
  • Professional Cook: all our fresh vegetables are washed in iodine water prior serving and we provide only boiled, filtered or iodized water for drinking. Vegetarian food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies and general dislikes can be catered so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip.
  • Drinking water along the Inka trail.
  • 3 Camping nights.
  • 1 night in a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Medical kit and Oxygen bottle.
  • Camping equipment (2 person tents, mattresses, Cooking equipment, tables and chairs).
  • Porters service (to carry the tents and cooking equipment only).
  • Bus tickets to Machupicchu Inca City and to Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes).
  • Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your Hotel in Cusco.
  • 24-hour guest service: Telephone service available 24 hours/day.
  • Free luggage store at ITEP Travel.
  • First breakfast before the transfer on the first day
  • Lunch, dinner at the 4th day and last day at Aguas Calientes.
  • 5th day, guided visit to Huayna Picchu, if you think you need one, please let us know.
  • Sleeping Bags. USD 25.00
  • 1 Duffle Bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to 7 kgs (15.43 lbs.) USD 80.00 (this bag will be carried by our porters)
  • Tips are not included but it is optional.
  • 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.)
  • Walking sticks (US$15 for a pair of sticks)
  • Extra porter for personal items (US$130 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$75) – There is only a limited space at Wayna Picchu (400 persons per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
  • We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in whole Peru.
  • You should bring your original passport and *Valid student identity card if applicable
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain jacket
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags
  • Water for the first day, but on the way it is possible to buy bottles of water from local families.
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Shorts
  • Walking stick (with rubber tip)
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Baiting suit for the hot springs
  • Extra money for personal expensive, tips and entrance fees for hot springs (entrance fee for the hot spring is: US$ 4 / 10 Soles), (recommended 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra money)

DISCOUNTS

  • 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).
  • 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.

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