Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in the world, Every year the Inca Trail is walked by thousands of adventure lovers searching for a special nature and historical experience. Although the totaldistance is only about 45 km. In walking the trail one travels back in time, retracing the steps of the Inca People themselves, while taking in the unparalleled natural surroundings. You do not find other circuit on earth combines such geographic diversity, ranging from the Peru Andean Mountain range to the amazon forest, with the archaeological ruins of an ancient culture in such a harmonious manner.
The Inca Culture built a vast network of paths to connect different parts oof their regions which extended for more than 30.000 km. They rebuilt and enlarged the ancient road network and transformed it into the state who maintained control of the infrastructure due to its important economic, political and military functions. The inca trail to Machu Picchu is a beautiful route if you want to see and natural attractions with cultural attractions.
DAY 01: KM 82 – Huayllabamba
To hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, adventures need to take the train from Cusco to Machu picchu, getting off the train at km 82, from where the Inca Trail begins on the far side of the Urubamba river, after crossing over a hanging bridge. Along the hills that run at the right hand side of the trail, hikers will soon spot a complex of building known as Quente humming bird in Quechua, Following the route, We will arrive at the Llaqtapata ruins (2300 masl). After crossing the Cusichaca river twice, the trail turns south towardHuayllabamba (2850 masl) an ancient Inca’s citadel who protects the entrance to two valleys.
- Total distance: 12 km (7, 47 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
- Campsite altitude: 2,850 m (9,840 ft)
DAY 02: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu
From here on, Nature is the travelers sole companion. The Inca Trail continues to climb in a northwesterly direction through the Llullucha Valley toward the Warmiwañuska Pass the highest point along the trail (4200 masl), The mean in Quechua, is where the woman died, has a local legend attached to it. From Warmiwañuska pass one spot the ruins of Runcuracay (3,600 masl) and the Pacaymayu river. Once on the top of the pass we go down until second campsite named Pacaymayu at 3,600 m.a.s.l (11,480ft)
- Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m.a.s.l (13,776 ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,600 m (11,480 ft)
DAY 03: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayana
From Pacaymayu a sheltered valley studded with trees and cacti. When the path runs climbs again, it showcases Inca engineering in all its magnificence, for a few hours, the path runs amidst a labyrinth of mountains until it reaches the second pass, Runcuracay pass (3,900 masl) before finally descending into the Aobamba valley and the Mysterious cloud forest to the ruins of Sayacmarca (3,700 masl), by means of a stone staircase that is nearly 1,600 m long.
From Sayacmarca, the trail climbs once more, this time gradually, passing by the dry lake Chaqui Cochaand through a 20 meters tunnel hewn into solid rock, arriving at the third and final pass Phuyupatamarca(3,900 masl), walking through the pass, hikers are greeted with an extraordinary view of the Urubamba Valley, then We will go down to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,600 masl), reached via a spectacular series of staircases cut into the rock and magnificent agriculture terracing. Finally we get last Campsite in the beautiful Wiñayhuayana’s Andean village.
- Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
- Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
- Campsite altitude: : 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
DAY 04: Wiñayhuayna – Machu picchu
We wake up early!, From Wiñayhuayna (2,700 masl) whose name means u201cforever youngu201d in Quechua. The main trail to Machu picchu sets out from the ruins of Wiñayhuayna at first climbing gradually but then steepening in its final stretch before reaching a small pass. This is a place covered by tropical plant life, Known as the Intipunku whose name means Gateway of the Sun, here we will be able to enjoy the sunrise up Machu Picchu which is spread out before, an unforgettable experience. From the Intipunku, the final descent is a quick 35 minutes walk that leads visitors past a small stone tambo into the citadel of Machu picchu, then you’ll get plenty of time to take pictures and explore the citadel by yourself of course you can also climb up the Huaynapicchu mountain (2700 m.a.s.l). On afternoon we go down by bus untilAguas Calientes town where we catch train back to Cusco for around four hours.
- Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 2 hours.
- Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
- Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
Includes
- Transfers from and to your hostel.
- Bus to the 82Km.
- Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Briefing the night before the tour.
- English-Spanish Bilingual Guide.
- Tents (could be double, triple depending on the accommodations required of the client).
- Camping equipment including tents and mattresses
- All meals except of the first breakfast and last lunch and dinner in the town of “Aguas Calientes” (Veggie options available).
- Porters who carry equipment and food
- Train back to Ollantaytambo from “Aguas Calientes”.
- First Aid Kit and medical assistance.
Does not Includes
- First breakfast
- Last Lunch and dinner at “Aguas Calientes” town.
- Bus ticket from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu.
- Sleeping bags.
- Walking sticks and plastic tips (only in the Inca Trail).
- Tips for the porters / guides / chefs.
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Water and snacks for the last day at Machu Picchu.
Recommendations
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
- Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars (if you have them)