Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Hike Day 1 (12 km.): Day 1, (12 km). START INKA TRAIL AT 82 KM.- HUAYLLABAMBA

A spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca (Happy river) side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba which in Quechua means “grassy plain” (3,000 m.) the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp.

MEALS: B, L, D

Important Note: Day hikes can be 7 hours and up, including lunches and visits to archaeological sites.

Llaqtapata terraces Camp site on Inca trail

Hike Day 2, (11km): HUAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYO

Climbing up from Huayllabamba for about 3 hours through the woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.

O’N CAMP SITE

MEALS:  B, L, D.

Inca trail Huarmihuañusca Pass  or Death Woman’s Pass

Hike Day 3,(16km): PACAYMAYO – WIŃAY WAYNA

From Pacaymayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so we’ll do very slowly. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive atSayacmarca 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.

We have to backtrack 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.

From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). 

A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) we descend a thousand or so steps. 

After about an hour of walking through cloud forest we may just be able to see the tin roof of some of the houses at Wiñay Wayna, although it will probably take us other 2 hours until we arrive.

We will visit Wiñay Wayna, The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

O’N CAMP SITE

MEALS: B, L, D.

Sayacmarca - Inaccessible Town Near Phuyupatamarca -  Town in the Clouds

Hike Day 4, (6km): WIŃAY HUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU

The hike to Machu Picchu takes about 1½ hours. We are going to wake up very early in the morning (4.30am) so that we can leave Wiñay Huayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry, a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners.
Also you may want to hike the Huayna Picchu Mountain (10.00 AM upon request depending on availability, not included on tour price) In the afternoon a bus takes us to the small town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)  for lunch (on your own).
PM: You will take the expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and a private car to Cusco.

MEALS: B.

Machu Picchu – View From Sun Gate Inti Punku - Sun Gate

 

“Important Note: Our campsites will be designated by the Park Authorities once the pre-payment for the entrance fees are done, occasionally they may change.”

Optional extra day upon request day/5: Includes one night in a 3 star-Superior hotel with BB in Machu Picchu Village, 2nd day bus and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, tour guide service. 

Hike Day 5, MACHU PICCHU/HUAYNA PICCHU

We’ll take the bus back to Machu Picchu early in the morning to continue exploring the city and hike the Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional depending on availability).

In the afternoon we will take the train back to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel.

O'N in Cusco city (hotel on your own)

MEALS: B

Machu Picchu View from Huayna Picchu Moutain Huayna Picchu Terraces and Stairs

End of our services

Please email us for price information, tour price based on number of persons

Service is in Private (Minimun 02 persons in double accommodation)

4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

Group Service special price (Minimun 06 persons) 

INCA TRAIL INCLUDES

  • Transportation to head of the Inca trail 
  • Entrance ticket to Inca Trail.
  • Camping equipment, mattresses one per person.
  • Kitchen tent and dining tent.
  • Tables and chairs.
  • Daily afternoon tea service.
  • Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • 03 Porters (carry your backpacks, tents and cooking equipment)
  • Professional English speaking guide for the 4 days hike
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu Inca site to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes).
  • Tourist expedition train ticket back to Ollantaytambo and a private car to Cusco.

Not included

  • Lunch day 4th in Machu Picchu (on your own).
  • Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Entrance fee for the hot springs.
  • Tips to the crew (guide, porters, drivers, etc.)
  • Hotel accommodation in Cusco.

You Should Bring

  • Personal sleeping bag
  • Back pack, trekking shoes
  • Water bottle (Canteen) for the first day (after boiled water will be provided) No plastic bottles are allowed on the Inca traail or Machu Picchu
  • Personal clothing for trek, long pants, long sleeved shirts and Tshirts.
  • Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
  • Rain gear.
  • Camera, batteries.
  • Flashlight and batteries.
  • Insect repellent and sun block.
  • Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
  • Pocketknife.
  • Canteen
  • Plenty of socks and underwear.
  • Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
  • Towel.
  • Snacks:  Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
  • Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines until we arrive to Machu Picchu).
  • Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).

REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:

To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 350.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 90 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.

Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. We recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop you from taking the trip. 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Accomodations in camp sites based in twin tent, single upon request, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tours, all entrance fees to archaeological sites, tour guide for the entire hike, all ground transportation as listed in itinerary once you arrive in Cusco arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.

NOT INCLUDED: Hotels, tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, tour leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, airfares to/from Lima/Peru or any domestic flights are not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.

CANCELLATION POLICY: 45 days prior 50 % and less than 30 days will be charged 80 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.
WAIVER: I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys, from all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates. 

I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.

 

Any questions or additional information please feel free to contact:

Romulo Castilla
Professional Tour Guide
Peruvian Magic Journeys