Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Classic Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu is the most popular trek in South America. It combines a gratifying physical challenge with the opportunity to visit world renowned Inca ruins in the midst of unparalleled natural beauty. High passes with breathtaking vistas of snow covered peaks, mountains filled with lush tropical vegetation, all joined by a well preserved trail that is a unique expression of the marvelous feats of Inca engineering.This mountain trekking to the famous Machu Picchu is a once in a life-time adventure in Peru.

Machu Picchu: Made known to the World by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu was inhabited by local farmers but probably remained unknown to the Spaniards. The purpose of an Inca city in such a spectacular location remains under debate: Some argue it was built and populated by the family of a powerful Inca ruler (Pachakutek). Others have proposed that the principal function of Machu Picchu was a “trading centre” to maintain a reliable supply of coca leaves and other tropical supplies for the priests and royalty in Cuzco. Bingham fostered the school of thought that the city existed primarily for strategic and defensive purposes, yet another theory supports the idea that Machu Picchu was an indoctrination centre or school to teach the leaders and their children about other Andean cultures conquered by the Incas.

Day 1: Km 82 to Paucarcancha
Today you will be picked up at your hotel at around 6:00am to start your trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. You will transported to km 82 where the entrance to the trail is located. The group will be assembled and you will meet your trekking team of porters, guide, and chef. Once everything is secured and ready to start we will begin our 4 day trek to Machu Picchu down the ancient road of the Incas. The adventure will start at the Inca trail entrance where we will register at the trail heading before beginning the trek by crossing the Urubamba River, heading towards the village Miskay. From here the trail turns west to the ruins fo Huillca Raccay. After a couple of hours of gentle hiking we reach the ruins of Huillaca Raccay, where we break for lunch. After lunch we continue hiking, descending into the Cusichaca Valley, arriving later to the last inhabited village of the trail: Wayllabamba (10170 ft./3100 meters above sea level). Here you will have time to explore the site before dinner. Hiking time: 5 hours approximately. Meals Included: L, D.

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu
After enjoying the beauty of this special campsite and a nutritious breakfast we begin this challenging hiking day highlighted by the crossing of the trail’s hightest pass known as “Warmiwañusta” or Dead Woman’s Pass (13,779 ft./4,200 meters above sea level). After passing through the 2nd checkpoint you will begin a long and steady ascent with rewarding views of the valleys below and the snow capped peaks above. Shortly before lunch we will pass through a cloud forest with a dazzling array of native trees and plants. With a well-balanced lunch in our stomachs we will have the energy to make it over Dead Women’s Pass where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Huayllanay Glacier. At the pass we will stop for some photos for you to show that you have conquered this most challenging part of the trek to Machu Picchu. After the pass we will descend to our campsite at Pacaymayu where dinner will be prepared while you have a chance to relax. Hiking time: 8 hours approximately. Meals Included: B, L, D.

Day 3: Pacaymayu to Wiñay Wayna
An early breakfast bolsters your energy for today’s hike where we will pass through a host of different ecological zones all featuring distinct types of plant and animal life. We climb up and over the second highest pass at 12,959 ft. (3,950 Mts.), called "Abra de Runkurakay". On a clear day, our efforts are rewarded with unparalleled views of the snow covered peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the lush valleys below. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, masterful Inca engineering is another of the day’s highlights as we explore the Inca remains of Sayajmarca at 11,942 ft. (3,640 Mts.). The name Sayajmarca signifies "inaccessible city", and with good reason because the ruins are protected by steep cliffs. After a picnic lunch we continue on the trail, where nature shows us a forrest full of orchids, hanging moss and tree ferns. We pass through an Inca tunnel up to the third pass at 12,139 ft. (3,700 Mts.). From here we can see beautiful views of snow-capped mountains as the the mighty Salkantay at 20,275 ft. (6180 Mts) and Veronica at 18,864 ft. (5750 Mts). "The city in the clouds", Phuyupatamarca at 12,073 (3,680 Mts.), is the next stop along the trail. These impresseiv ruins can only be reached by a long set of steps. After visiting this spectacluar place we will descend to Wiñay Wayna, where we camp and have time to soak up some of the magical charm of this marvellous site. Hiking time: 8-9 hours. Meals Included: B, L, D.

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
To see the sun rise over Machu Picchu is considered on of the high lights of the tour. To experience this we will have a fast breakfast and leave our camp at 4.30am, when we also say good-bye to the porters and other crew members. We will get to the Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where we will have an amazing view of the first sunbeams hitting Machu Picchu at approximately 7.30am. The descend to Machu Picchu is short, only 45 minutes walking, and we will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. After the guided tour of the ruins you will have time to explore on your own before we meet back up to take a short bus ride down the mountain to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the return trip back to Cusco after a 4 day incomparable experience. Hiking time: 4 hours. Meals Included: B.

Prices are per person and in US Dollar. Prices are subject to change around holidays such as Easter, Christmas, New Year and other local festivities.

Price Includes:
• Tents, 2 people in each 4 person roomy tent 
• Daily breakfast on day 2-4
• Lunch on day 1-3
• Dinner on day 1-3
• Transfer from Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Km.82
• Entrance fees
• Support staff: Cook, assistants
• English speaking guides
• Dining tent with chairs and tables
• Comprehensive first-aid kid including oxygen bottles
• Biodegradable chemical toilet

Price Does Not Include:
• Meals not specified
• Porters
• Sleeping bags (can be hired at an extra cost of USD 6.00 per day)
• Travel insurance
• Extras, tips and personal expenses