Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

We pick you up from your hotel and transport you by bus to the trailhead at km 82. There a briefing takes place at 2,350 metres. them we pass a checkpoint and hike along the Urubamba river visiting the collection of archeological sites of WILKARAKAY and the marvelous Inca ruins of Llactapata. We later continue up the CUSICHAKA River Canyon offering some magnificent views of the Cordillera Oriental, particularly, VERONICA Mountain (5,850 m). We have lunch in Chamana, to continue afterwards following the trail and the Cusichaka river observing several Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. Then, we visit the picturesque village of Huayllabamba. From this point, we start ascending while appreciating different eco-systems along the way. In AYAPATA, we set up the first campsite (3,700 m) and have afternoon tea and finally dinner before we go to sleep.

Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Max. elevation: 3,250 m
Min. elevation: 2,600 m
Difficulty: Moderate

After wake-up and breakfast, we start hiking up the trail toward the first pass WARMIWANUSCA (4,200 m) passing through the cloud forest of Yunkachimpa and Corralpunku enjoying excellent views of snowcapped peaks. From the pass, we descend to the PACASMAYO Valley (3,300 m) to have lunch there. We continue hiking through the valley to reach the Inka ruins of RUNKURACAY where we have another guided visit. Afterwards, we climb up to get over the second pass (3,860 m) and follow the "Royal Inca Highway" down to see the Inca site of SAYACMARCA. Then, we pass the YANACOCHA lake and camp in CHAQUICOCHA.

Estimated trekking time: 8 - 10 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m
Min. elevation: 3,300 m
Difficulty: Strenuous

We start climbing up the trail and pass through beautiful subtropical vegetation on the route to the archaeological site of PHUYUPATAMARCA. There we have lunch at an altitude of 3,600 metres to later steeply descent through a cloud forest having opportunities to see stunning orchids and different varieties of birds before we reach the wonderful Inca remains of WIÑAY WAYNA (2,700 m) where our guide shows us around. We spend the third night near the ruins.

Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,680 m
Min. elevation: 2,700 m
Difficulty: Easy

Early morning, we begin hiking to Machu Picchu overlooking the Urubamba river on the way to Sun Gate or INTI PUNKU to see the sunrise above Machu Picchu. We enter the site early in the morning for the best photo opportunities and then spend the rest of the morning visiting and exploring the citadel. Those interested in having lunch in Aguas Calientes (a town below the Inca citadel) can meet up later (optional) or can visit the hot springs of the town. Otherwise, you can just enjoy your free time in Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo to later continue by private vehicle to Cusco.

• The pre-trek briefing (our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek to brief you about the trek);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the 4 Day Inca Trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: camping (3 nights);
• Inca Trail permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x afternoon hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a group of over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional Cook;
• Porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment as well as up to 7 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: personal double tents (3-person tent which allows for greater comfort and for storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-A-Rest brand); 
• Sleeping bag (for up to -16°C);
• A blanket per person;
• Inflatable pillow;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Day-pack rain covers;
• Daypack (in case you need it);
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents, and gas bottle;
• Rain poncho;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A T-shirt of the Classic Inca Trail Map;
• Tourist train (Expedition Class) from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (USD 80);
• Extra Porter to help you carrying up to 15 kg of your personal belongings (USD 130; the Extra Porter can be shared between 2 persons);
• Tips to local staff (please note that although it is not obligatory, it is a custom to give tips in Peru);
• Other extras not mentioned.
• Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

• Exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Visiting the Wiñay Wayna ancient town.
• Observation of the flora and fauna of the area.
• Seeing the hidden archaeological sites such as Sayacmarca.

Best Moment of the Trek

• The arrival at Machu Picchu citadel after passing through Sun Gate!

Camping Equipment

The Inca Trail Machu tour operator provides trek participants with a tent. Our tents are of the brand EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We use 3-person capacity tents; however, just 2 participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In the case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2-person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents, clean them and fix them if necessary.

Inca Trail Machu also provides a clean and warm sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, mat, and blanket which our porters place inside your tent, so you find your all camping equipment once at a campsite.

Extras

INCA TRAIL MACHU  is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. Pick-up times may vary 30 - 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pick-ups.

If your hotel is outside Cusco City centre, we can arrange a pick-up depending on where your hotel is located. Your guide will inform you about the pick-up time during the briefing.

Please check the below table to find a starting point & pick-up place:

Here is everything you need to know about the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of our most impressive routes.

Where Is the Inca Trail Located?

The Inca Trail is situated in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cuzco (the capital of the ancient Inca Empire) and the citadel of Machu Picchu. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

4 Day Inca Trail Altitudes 

During the Classic Inca Trail, there are the following altitudes:

• "Llulluchapampa" at 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• "Chaquicocha" at 4,200 m.a.s.l.
• "Wiñay Wayna" at 3,670 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,700 m.a.s.l.

How Long Is the Classic Inca Trail and How Many Hours a Day Do We Hike?

The Inca Trail measures 43 kilometers or 26.12 miles. There are camping sites assigned by the Ministry of Culture that are between 10 and 13 kilometers away from each other, so the daily hiking time can vary between 5 to 8 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours for the last day. The hours of daily hiking and the distance covered may vary according to the physical condition of each participant.

What Does "Machu Picchu" Mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the Lost City of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category "A Must-See".

What Is the Weather on the Inca Trail?

Mid-December - early March: This is the peak of the rainy season, so it is better to not climb it at this time.

Daily average temperature: 18-19°C

Night average temperature: 7-8°C

Mid-March - May: It is the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, so it is partly cloudy and it rains a little bit sometimes. It is ok to hike the Inca Trail 4 days.

Daily average temperature: 19°C
Night average temperature: 8-4°C

June - September: This is the dry season and so the best months to trek!
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 0-6°C

October - mid-December: It is the beginning of the rainy season, it rains sometimes, but it is still possible to hike the Classic Inca Trail.
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 5-7°C

How Difficult Is the Inca Trail 4 Days?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate difficulty level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing or hiking on snow, a previous experience is not required. The most difficult part comes the second day when a number of steps are climbed and moreover, the start point lies at 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) while the highest climbing point is at 4,200 meters (13,123 feet). There also is only a small space to climb; however, the hike becomes later easier as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, and others which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

Is It Possible to Do the Inca Trail on My Own?

If you are an experienced trekker, you may want to go hiking on the Classic Inca Trail on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a porter, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible!

The Peruvian government regulations do not allow it! It has been prohibited since 2001! The regulations state that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Management Unit of Machu Picchu) is the regulatory entity that controls tour companies to fulfill certain requirements to operate this route and they need to obtain a license to be allowed to do so. A licence must be renewed annually. The list of all authorized guides and agencies is published on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

The Most Important:

• Original Passport!!!
• ISIC card (if you booked as a student).

Suggested Items:

• Daypack (12-litre capacity);
• High-quality trekking shoes (comfortable and useable for every terrain);
• Rain jacket/rain poncho;
• Waterproof gear is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season;
• Hat or cap; 
• Cash in soles (local currency);
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, sweater, or fleece;
• 3x T-shirt;
• 2x hiking pants;
• 1x sports shorts,
• 1x a pair of gloves (you can buy cheap and warm alpaca gloves in Cusco);
• Sandals (when in a campsite);
• Water bottle (2 or 3 litres);
• Extra battery (You will connect only with the natural and you)
• Camera or smartphone with a good camera (remember, it is the first time on the 4 day Inca Trail and the landscapes is astonishing!);
• Large plastic bag (you can protect your clothes like this);
• Toilet paper;
• Paper issues;
• Sunscreen to avoid ultraviolet rays;
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream;
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET (for the last day);
• Small towel;
• Swimsuit (if you like to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes);
• Coca natural leaf tea;
• Snacks such as chocolate, biscuits, energy bars, raw fruits, and others.