Itinerary for Classic Inca Trail tour

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Huayllabamba.

At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and then you will travel to the Sacred Valley, in Ollantaytambo you will stop to buy breakfast and last minute supplies. After this short stop you will continue to the trail-head at Km 82. Where you will meet our team of porters and chef for the hike.

After to finish your final preparations, the guide will lead you to the check point and the interpretation center and then you will officially start this incredible trek to Machu Picchu. After to cross the Urubamba River the trail follows the left band of the River. Then you hike through the eucalyptus groves having amazing views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and impresive Veronica snow-capped peak. You also will stop to have a view of Llaqtapata, a massive Inca complex of agricultural terraces and houses. Lunch will be at the village of Tarayoc, after this break you will hike the Cusichaca Valley to get to the first campsite in the community of Huayllabamba.

• Hiking time: approx. 6 hours
• Walking distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Weather: warm.
• Campsite altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft.

Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo.

Today is the most challenging day of our four-day trek to Machu Picchu; we start with a consistent breakfast in order to be able to reach the highest point of our trek, the dead woman’s Pass (13,825 feet / 4,215 meters); we hike through the thick forest and stop at Llulluchapampa, where our guide tells us the story of this place. The trail climbs steeply towards Warmiwañusca Pass, known as the dead Woman Pass from where we will have an impressive vista of peaks and our route to Pacaymayo, our next camp site. We start to descend by a rock stepped trail, slowly and carefully, finally we arrive at Pacaymayo valley (11,810 feet / 3,600 meters), our next campsite where we will have our tents already set up by our Native Porters.

Challenge day (tough)

• Hiking time: approx. 7 hours
• Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Weather: cold and windy.
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,810 ft.

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna.

This morning, we will climb up for almost one hour through an Inca stairway to Runkurakay ruins, a construction to rest used by Incan Couriers following the Royal Inca Trail during Inca times; the trail continues to climb toward Runkurakay pass (12,630 ft. / 3,850 m) from where we have spectacular views of the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range; then we descend gradually towards the Inca Complex of Sayaqmarka (11,772 ft. / 3,588 m); on the way we will pass through a green tunnel formed by the forest turning it into a fantasy walkway, beautiful orchids start to appear; it is so impressive how the Incas built these roads along the mountains and rainforest.

We visit one of the most impressive Incas ‘sites, the archaeological center of Phuyupatamarka (11,722 ft. / 3,572 meters), a strategic point with a beautiful view.
Finally, we camp near Wiñaywayna (8,829 ft. / 2,691 m), the most spectacular archaeological complex of the entire Inca Trail.

Charming day (moderate)

• Hiking time: approx. 8 hours
• Walking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Weather: warm, humid,
• Campsite altitude: 2650 m / 8, 398 ft.

Day 4: Sun gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After a very early wake up, we start our way to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) where we are rewarded with our first vista of Machu Picchu!
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of this impressive Inca city and learn about the history of this site, who lived here, how it was discovered in modern times and why the Spaniards never found it. You will have some insight into the various features of this sacred city and have free time to really enjoy yourself alone in this spectacularly located site, an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!
Afternoon: Expedition train Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
On your arrival at Cusco train station you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Hotel.

• Hiking time: approx. 2 hours
• Magic day (peace cake)
• Weather: hot and very humid.

Included in the Classic Inca Trail tour

• Pick up from your hotel by your tour guide at 5:30 am
• Transfer to KM 82, the start of your trek (in private transportation)
• Professional Spanish and English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance for the Inca Trail
• Entrance into Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary
• Top porters to carry all the equipment, tents, food, cooking gear, and dining tents
• Permits and entrance fees for our porters, cooks and guides
• 3 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
• Inflatable therma rest mat (1/2 inch/1.25 cm thick)
• Coca tea served each morning in your tent for a gentle start to the day
• Boiled water provided after breakfast, lunch and dinner to refill your water bottles
• Snacks every morning
• Vegetarian food and specialized diets (upon request)
• Only 2 people per tent
• Dining tents and personal tents included
• 3 hours private guided tour within Machu Picchu ruins
• Bus from Machu Picchu take down to Aguas Calientes town
• Expedition train return to Ollantaytambo then by bus to Cusco
• Taxes included

Not included in the Classic Inca Trail tour

• Sleeping Bag (rentals available from Native Peru treks for up to -15°C/5°F)
• Trekking poles (rentals available from Native Peru treks – adjustable telescoping/fold up)
• Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort (3 inches/8 cm thick) (rentals available from Native Peru treks)
• Your last lunch in Aguas Calientes

TREKKING CHECKLIST
 

• PLEASE remember to bring your original passport – you will not get on the Inca Trail without it!
• Your original ISIC card (www.isic.org), if applicable (please send us a copy at the time of your booking)
• Day Pack
• Sleeping bag (you can rent from Native Peru treks)
• Hiking boots and sandals (very important)
• Trekking poles (you can rent from Native Peru treks)
• Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures, especially at night. Thermals/Gloves/scarves: wool socks and wool hat for cold nights: About 4 T-shirts for the entire trek
• Head lamp (very important)
• Camera and extra batteries
• Sunscreen/hat and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit
• Insect repellent
• Rain Gear: a good rain jacket and rain pants and plastic rain poncho.
• Toilet paper
• Small towel
• Camel bag – if not you can take plastic bottles for water
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars) At least 200 extra soles
• Swim suit for the (optional) hot springs

PRICES

• $690 for 2-3 people
• US $670 for 4-6 people
• $650 for 7 or more people

DISCOUNTS

Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25

Under 18 Discount – $25

EXTRAS (TO RENT)
Sleeping Bag (4 season, good to -15°C/5°F) – $25 (Maximum height 1.95m / 6´4″)
Pair of Walking Sticks – $20

Inca Trail booking