The iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought out hike in South America. This centuries-old trail is rooted in Inca heritage and gives hikers
the chance to walk in the footsteps of Inca nobles and through a landscape of that crosses ravines, glacial-fed waterways, and ancient archaeological ruins. The grand finale is reaching the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site, which surpasses all imagination.
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Overview
Classic Inca Trail (4 Days & 3 night Camping)
Follow the legendary path of the Incas, winding through the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes, past centuries-old sites, toward the mythical and awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the mysterious ruins – and the amazing Inca trail that takes you there – are without a doubt the highlight of any trip to Peru.
One of the most famous trekking routes in the world takes adventurers along an epic and sometimes challenging journey to the city in the clouds. Visitors will be struck by the majestic beauty and human ingenuity of the Inca citadel that remained hidden until just over 100 years ago. Along the trail you will be able to admire various archeological sites and visit traditional villages where locals maintain their ancient ways of life. You will sleep at campsites and indulge in high quality meals prepared by a chef who works magic with simple ingredients and a propane stove. All the essentials for the trek are provided, including an expert bilingual guide who will help you navigate through this magical journey into the clouds. The trek will prove unforgetable not just for the stunning sights but the experiences of being accompanied by the warmth, knowledge and expertise of EXPLORE ADVENTURES the Peruvian tour operator who support you in this trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho km 82 – Llactapata – WAYLLABAMBA
Distance: 11 Kilometers / Miles
Depart Cusco early morning by bus and drive through the Sacred Valley to the community of Piscacucho (Railroad Km82 – 2,700m/8,856ft), where we cross the Urubamba River by bridge and begin the Inca Trail. Following a trail along the left-hand shore of the Urubamba River, we enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,830m) and the Inca archeological remains at Llaqtapata. Continuing through lush farmland and woodlands, we gradually climb for approximately 6 hours to our first campsite at Wayllabamba (3,300m/10,829ft).
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA/ WARMIWAÑUSKA/ PACAYMAYU
Distance: 12 Kilometers / Miles , After breakfast an early start, we begin a steep climb through Andean cloud forest and highland puna to the highest point on our trek, Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). During our ascent, we can appreciate the wide variety of plants, flowers, and bird species supported by this unique eco-climate. Once we reach the pass, our challenge is rewarded by an astonishing panoramic view of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. From here, we descend into the Pacaymayo river valley and on to our second campsite.
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 3: PACAYMAYU/ WIÑAYWAYNA
Distance: 16 Kilometers / Miles
On this day, we follow ancient stone paths and steps to the well-preserved Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. Along our visit to the sites we can appreciate the Incas’ complex architectural style and reverence of natural geography and beauty. Heading down the sub-tropical Andean slope, we reach another strategic and eathetically-situated site at WiñayWayna, where we camp for the night. Approximate walking time: 8 hours
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Distance: 6 Kilometers / Miles
Leaving Wiñay Wayna, we descend gradually further through the highland jungle to our destination: the best place for our Inca trail explorers Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. Arriving at daybreak, we catch our first breathtaking view of this historical wonder. We have the rest of the day to learn and explore the main complex of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary before taking the train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Approximate walking time: 2 hours
Included
With the 4 Day Inca Trail package you will receive:
Cultural Immersion Experience
- Visit to Patabamba village
- Home stay at the community
- Explore the community with your guide share the day in the lives of QUECHUAS
Transportation and Tickets
- Private transport from your Cusco hotel or home stay to the trailhead
- Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket back to Cusco Expeditions service
- Transfer from Cusco the train station back to your hotel
- Entrance fees for Inca Trail
- Entrance fees for Machu Picchu
Camping Equipment
- Our service includes a porter 8kgs
- High quality double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping rest mattress 'foam mattresses'
- Hot water in the morning for washing
- Food and drink utensils
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, seats
- Toilet tent with biodegradable chemical toilet
Emergency Equipment
- First Aid Kit: includes alcohol, bandages, pills for the altitude, oxygenated water, cotton balls, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets, rescue ropes, etc.
- An oxygen bottle is available at all times.
- Radio communication: Guides are equipped with radios used by workers in the Machu Picchu National Park. we have constant communication with our staff and rangers in case of emergencies.
Team
- Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- A cook to prepare your meals
- Porters to carry camping equipment and food (hikers must carry their own bags; porters only carry 8kgs)
Food
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (vegetarian option available) 03B, 03L, 03D
- Hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as enough water for your canteens, water bottles or hydration packs
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping bag
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Tips for guide and camp staff
Prices
Price per Person: US$730 (Minimum 2 persons; departures all year except February)
* We include a porter that will carry your personal belongings in all of our treks at no additional cost.
* We include First aid kit/Emergency Portable Oxygen Tank.
Discounts
- Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25
- Under 15 Discount – $25
- Under 7 Discount – $35
Rentals
- Black Diamond Hiking Poles – US$15 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – 4 season – US$30
- Private Tent – US$30
- Air mattress – US$15
Porters - Our service includes 8kg carried by our porters per person, but if you would like an upgrade: you can hire an additional porter to carry up to
- 8 Kg. (18 pounds) for USD85.00
- 15 Kg. (33 pounds) for USD150.00.
The Cost includes porter’s salary, porter’s entrance to Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and food.
Upgrades
Train upgrade to Vistadome: US$50 one way (departing from Aguas Calientes). Train will be according to availability and Peru Rail schedules, if train route ends at Ollantaytambo, we will be there waiting for you in order to go to Cusco City. (Our service ends once you are at your accommodation at Cusco City)
Extras
Would you also like to hike Huayna Picchu? Sure, you can make it! Its price is US$70 per person and there are 2 times (at 7am and 10am). We usually recommend people to take the 10am one (this activity is on the 4th day of the Inca Trail 4 days) because that way you won’t be running with the time to take your tour. Other option would be on the 5th day in the morning if you want to stay for an extra night at Aguas Calientes. (accommodation is on your own on the 4th night)
Why Explore
WHAT MAKES EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU BETTER THAN THE REST?
Experienced Tour Guide. We hire the best, most accomplished, experienced Explore Adventures Peru guides. Travel & Trek with someone who hiked the Inca Trail for over 900 times, Salkantay Trek for over 500 times, Ausangate Trek for over 300 times, Lares Trek for over 200 times, being at Machu Picchu for over 1000 times.
WE HAVE A 99.8% CLIENT SATISFACTION RATE! Undoubtedly, the most honest and accurate feedback comes from our clients themselves. With the goal of constantly improving our service, a post-treks survey is taken from each client in order to assess our staff, equipment and food.
BEST EQUIPMENT. We source all of our sleeping tents, dining tents and sleeping pads from north face, Equipment, an Americans and european outdoor company that has been making time-tested high altitude equipment since 1830. We don’t use locally made tents, which have a tendency to topple over in the wind or leak in the rain, like some operators.
BEST FOOD. We prepare hot meals on the mountain using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Trust us, the box lunches that every other company gives to their clients day in and out will sap your energy for they are dry, tasteless and comprised of empty calories.
SMALL GROUPS. In an effort to provide a more personalized service to our passengers, we in Explore Adventures Peru have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people (min 2 – max 8 / average 5). This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
Trips Notes
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