The Inca trail is one of the most popular treks in South America and is hiked by thousands each year. This trail was used as a communication system for the Incas to run from one place to another during the reign of the Inca Empire. This unique hike is full of stunning scenery, snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and mountain ranges, cloud forests and Inca ruins. You will hike a total distance of approximately 43km over the duration of the trek and end at the world-famous Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba – Yuncachimpa
We will leave Cusco at 5:30am by bus and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach our starting point, KM 82, we will have a short break in Ollantaytambo and have the option to get breakfast there.
The official beginning of the Inca Trail is called KM 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and register to start with the trek. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail.
The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the following days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch by a small river bank while getting some information about the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), the camping site where we will spend the night.
From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Total distance: 11km approx.
Day 2: Yuncachimpa – Llulluchapampa – Warmihuañusca pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay pass – Chaquicocha
The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’, this means that everybody should walk at their own pace. Of course, you will meet the rest of the group during the small breaks or see each other while climbing the stairs. Early in the morning the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km are steps – you will be able to enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds.
From Llulluchapampa follow the path for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f).
This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you will continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) until you reach our camp site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you can relax from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.
Level of difficulty: challenging
Hiking time: 8-9 hours
Total distance: 15 km approx.
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñayhuayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) which offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/”Town above the clouds” (3600m/11811f).
A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of
Wiñayhuayna/”Forever young” (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site.
Level of difficulty: normal
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Total distance: 10 km Approx.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After our breakfast at 4:30am we will head, equipped with our flashlights, to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
The last triumphal descent will take almost one hour before visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) around 8.00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. From Machu Picchu there will be a bus waiting to take you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs (This has an additional cost of 10 PEN). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
Level of difficulty: normal
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Total distance: 7 km approx.
Notes:
Departure and arrival times are approximate. Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria.
Huayna Picchu: The visit to Huayna Picchu needs to be booked weeks in advance as there are only limited spaces. This has an additional cost of US $ 70 .00 per person. Please, check availability with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- 24 hour support
- Pre-briefing time at 7 pm in our office, 1 or 2 days before your departure date
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Collective tourist transfers from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the centre of Cusco
- Bus going downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station is located
- Entrance fees to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Camping equipment (professional two-persons tents: Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg, Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg and Eureka Tents; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs).
- Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea which is excellent for the altitude.
- Tea and snack time every day (tea, coffee, wantan, popcorn and cracker).
- Porters to carry the main luggage and matrass (all the equipment and cooking stock).
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
Note: Breakfast on your first day and lunch on your last day are NOT INCLUDED
Optional services:
- Extra porter: According to the law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Employment, the collaboration of an extra porter is given under the conditions the customer requires. However, the customer’s luggage mustn’t exceed 12 kg, since the porter is only allowed to carry 20 kg. This service costs US $ 150 and it includes transport, entrance fee to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.
- Improved Peru Rail Vistadome or Luxury PeruRail Hiram Bingham train service instead of the PeruRail Expedition service which is included
- Sleeping Bag: US$20.00 dollars , our sleeping bags are -20ºC comfort.
- Walking sticks or poles US$ 20.00 dollars per day (rubber covers are included in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 43Km
Max Altitude: 4200m
4 DAY INCA TRAIL PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS TOUR REVIEW
PHIL – INCA TRAIL
“Into Peru organised an amazing adventure for me. From the moment I landed until the last trip to the airport, I felt I was among family and friends. They looked after me, taking me out and showing me the sights. The tour from Cusco and the accommodation were highlights of my life! I could not have planned it better, even with months of preparation. Thank you to all at Into Peru for an amazing experience. I’ll be back again!”
