Peru: Trekking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu (2,720 m)

Ultimate Guide to the Inca Trail, Peru's Most Famous Trek - Visit the Best of Peru

07 Days/06 Nights   March to December - All year on request   Moderate

Trekking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu 2.667 m): The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwañusqa (dead woman). Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments includingcloud forest and alpine tundra. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 4,200 metres (13,800 ft) above sea level, which can result inaltitude sickness.

Located 2,430 meters high in a place of great beauty, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Its walls, terraces and ramps seem gigantic being carved in the rock cliffs, as if they were part of it. The natural setting, on the eastern slope of the Andes, is part of the upper Amazon basin, which has a varied flora and fauna. (UNESCO / BPI)

Concern about overuse leading to erosion has led the Peruvian government to place a limit on the number of people who may hike this trail per season, and to sharply limit the companies that can provide guides. As a result, advance booking is mandatory. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters As a result, the high season books out very quickly. The trail is closed every February for cleaning. This was originally done informally by organizations such as South American Explorers but is now managed officially.

Inca Trail - A short history: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is in fact a small part of a vast network of trails and roads built by the Incan Empire over 500 years ago. Depending on which resource you read, the Inca trails (or Qhapaq Ñanare, which means network of trails) are estimated to have covered anywhere between 23,000km and 45,000km in distance – basically a lot! Consisting of mainly paved stone, the trails were integral in connecting the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which ran from Colombia and Ecuador in the North; through Peru; Chile and parts of Argentina, and into Brazil and Bolivia (as seen on the map adjacent). The trails varied in size from 6-8m roads at their widest (typically in the coastal areas) to narrow 1m trails in the mountainous regions of the Andes. The trails were used for a variety of reasons including trade, efficient transport and war. Peruvian historian, José Antonio del Busto, believes the trails expanded rapidly under the rule of Huayna Capac, who is thought to have added 16,000km of trail to the network. Del Busto explains: “It is said (Capac) placed emphasis on the roads so as to be able to get his army around quicker and be able to crush the rebellions that flared up during his reign.” The one very unique characteristic of the trails is that they were built with the llama mind. The trails, particularly in the mountainous region, are steep, stepped and high – landscape characteristics that llama are well adept at traversing. Author Hugh Thomson writes in his acclaimed and highly recommended book, The White Rock: “We are used to a road system designed for the horse and then for the car: a system which tries at all cost to avoid steep gradients and whose ideal (so established by the Romans) is the straight road over flat ground. The Inca needs were very different: the expansion of their Empire was driven by the llama”. When the Spanish arrived in Peru in the 15th century they were amazed by the scale, ingenuity and beauty of the trails, despite having severe difficulty traversing them on horseback. Hernando Pizarro, one of the first conquistadors to arrive in Cusco, wrote, “The path in of the mountains is something to see, because it is built in very difficult terrain. In the Christian World we have not seen such beautiful roads. All of the crossings have bridges of stone or of wood.” Unlike the majority of trails, which were used for practical means, the Inca trail to Machu Picchu was solely used as a pilgrimage or religious route. It had no commercial use and is hence often referred to as the “Royal Road”, “Royal Sacred Highway” or “The Road of the Inca King”. The various Inca sites found along the 26-mile (45km) trail seems to support this theory. Hiram Bingham, an American academic and explorer, who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was amazed when he discovered the pilgrimage route leading to the city. Between 1913-1915 Bingham and his team uncovered much of the overgrown trail, and in the 1990s large portions of the route were restored. Today, the trail, which is situated in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, is considered one of the greatest trekking trails in the world and is hiked by thousands of tourists every year.

Inca Route options: There are a number of ways to visit Machu Picchu, including catching a train or trekking on one of the alternative trails to Aguas Calientes – the town in the valley below Machu Picchu. But none of these alternatives is as popular and arguably as impressive as the Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu (aka Camino Inca or Camino Inka). Celebrated as Peru’s most famous hike, and one of the world’s most iconic trekking experiences, the classic Inca trek to Machu Picchu provides an awesome combination of sub-tropical Andean mountain environments, including cloud forest, alpine tundra and jungle, with an impressive array of Inca archaeological sites; some of which are worthy of a visit on their own! The ‘Classic’ trail is typically completed on a 4D/3N itinerary but can also can be lengthened by a day or shortened to a 2D/1N trek on the so-called ‘Short Inca Trail’. There is also an option to combine the Salkantay trek with the classic trail route for an epic and challenging 7D/6N adventure.

Some trekking companies depart from KM88, but this is rare as cars can only go as far at KM82. If you are travelling by train from Cusco it is possible to start from KM88, but the trail from this starting point joins up with the route from KM82 very quickly so there is no significant difference in the starting experiences. The total trek distance from KM82 to Machu Picchu is 45km (26 miles) and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,200m. It is a moderately challenging trek that can be completed by most people, as long as they are fit and well acclimatised (more on this below).

Note: the map is not to scale and the itinerary, particularly with regards to camping sites, can vary from tour company to tour company.

Inca Trail Permits: Permits for the Classic Trail route are tightly restricted and nearly all dates each year sell out months in advance. This applies to all operators! If you are looking to book onto the classic pilgrimage route and find permits sold out for your preferred dates we recommend you look for either a Lares trek or Salkantay trek.

Best time to hike the Inca Trail: Two seasons dominate the weather in the sub-tropical Peruvian Andes – the dry season runs from late April through to early October, and the wet season starts in late October and continues through to April. The Inca trail is busiest during the dry season months, particularly May-September. If you want to hike at this time in the year it is advised that you book your trek at least 6 months in advance. The dry shoulder months of March / April and October / November, can also make a good time for trekking, although the probability of rain is higher. Here is a schematic showing the average number of rain days per month in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. December, January and February are the wettest months, and the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo is in fact closed for maintenance in February (it is possible to trek the Short Inca Trail or any of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu during Feb). Temperatures in the region are fairly consistent throughout the year, with days reaching into the high 20 Celsius (70s and 80s Fahrenheit), and dropping into the low digits to sub-zero temperatures at night and in the early mornings.

Temperature fluctuations are also common as you ascend high passes or drop into sun-exposed valleys. It is important that you take layered clothing to adjust comfort levels as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and across different levels of altitude (see Inca trail packing list below). Micro-climates in the mountains mean that it is possible to encounter rain at anytime in the year, so do bring wet weather gear as well.

Travel Program


Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Cuzco (3399 m) - Meet and transfer from airport to Hotel. Complimentary
Day 2: Enjoy Cuzco city - Optional: Sacred Valley Tour: Visit Pisac ruins, Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Day 3: From Cuzco transport - Trekking to Huayllabamba (3000 m)
Day 4: Huayllabamba - Trekking to Pacaymayu (3900 m)
Day 5: Pacaymayu (3900 m) - Trekking Wiñaywayna (2600 m)
Day 6: Wiñaywayna - Trekking to Machu picchu (2450 m) - Huaynapicchu (2720 m) - Transfer Tren to Cuzco
Day 7: City Cuzco - Flight to Lima (161 m) - Back Home or extension Cordilllera Blanca, Huayhuash other tour in Peru

Detailed Program


Detailed Program

Day 1: Arrival in Cuzco (3399 m) - Meet and transfer from airport to Hotel
Arrival in Cuzco. Meet and transfer from airport to Hotel. Complimentary. Optional: City Tour where we visit the Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. City tour add $ 25 p.person Min 4 person. Evening : at 18:00 pm Meeting with Inca Trail guide to review details on your trek. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 2: Optional : Sacred Valley Tour: Visit Pisac ruins, Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Enjoy Cuzco city. Optional : Sacred Valley Tour: Visit Pisac ruins, Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Add $39 p.person Min 4 person Or River Rafting $45.00. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 3: From Cuzco transport - Trekking to Huayllabamba (3000 m)
We pick you from your hotel and drive towards to Km 82 (2650 m) where we collect the porters to commence walking, via Urubamba Valley. From km 82 we cross the raging Vilcanota river. Walking in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Veronica ( 5680 m). We stop for lunch. We complete 6 hours of gentle hiking by reaching the first campsite by the river at Huayllabamba (3000 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 4: Huayllabamba - Trekking to Pacaymayu (3900 m)
This second day is the most arduous of our journey. After a nice breakfast we commence by ascending to Warmihuañusca ( Dead Women ) pass ( 4200 m). This change of altitude means that we will pass through three separate ecological zones during the day : Quechua, Yunga and Puna ( from valleys with trees, through high pasture, to arid grassless are as short of the snowline ). The ascent of over (1,200 m) to the first pass earns magnificent views. Descending from this superb vantage point we pass waterfalls before making camp at Pacaymayu.(3550 m). We complete 8 hours hiking. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 5: Pacaymayu (3900 m) - Trekking Wiñaywayna (2600 m)
The day starts with the pass of Runkuracay (3900 m) where we see an Inca watchtower. Then we continue to the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (a small maze like ruin built above a sheer cliff ) and, passing through a rock tunnel, we reach Phuyupatamarca ( City above the clouds) (3600 m), a beautiful set of linked stone baths still supplied by mountain streams. From this area, we should achieve views of Mt.Salkantay (6271 m), one of two most sacred peaks to the Incas. The descent down from the third pass (3600 m) is by a continuous set of steps (over 2300 of them), into cloud-forest, to our last campsite. From here a short walk takes us to the impressive ruins of Wiñaywayna (2600 m). The extra relaxation time provided here allows us to recoup our strength to make an early start the next day and maximize the experience of Machupicchu. We complete 7 hours. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 6: Wiñaywayna - Trekking to Machu picchu (2450 m) - Huaynapicchu (2720 m) - Transfer Tren to Cuzco
A pre-dawn breakfast allows us to ascend to Intipuncu (the sun-gate) (2750 m) where we may observe the sunrise over Machupicchu (2450 m) After taking in this memorable view we descend to the site for a guided tour, starting before the crowds arrive by train from Cusco.We complete 3 hours hike. There should be 6 to 7 hours available to spend in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huaynapicchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas ( add $ 65 require to make reservation in advance). I am working on building in a chance to visit endangered Andean Bears at the Inka Terra Sanctuary nearby. At the nearby town of the same name we take the afternoon train for Cusco. Transfer to your hotel . B.(2,750 – 2450 mts). Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 7: City Cuzco - Flight to Lima (161 m) Back Home
The end of the trip, if you are interested to extension tour in Peru: Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huyahuash or in South America Overnight --- (B/-/-)
Contact us!

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What’s included


What's included

Services included in the prices:
  • Acommodation in Cusco x 3 nights
  • Breakfast is included in Hotel rate
  • Private Tourist bus from Cusco to Km 82 (initial point) we pick you up from your hotel
  • Professional Inca Explorers English Speaking guide (with license)
  • Entrance fee to the Inca Trail Park and to Machupicchu ($ 98.00)
  • Specialized Cook + assistant
  • Nutritious, delicious meals with fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness. 3 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, 3 Dinner, & drinks
  • Happy Hour with Machu Tea -every afternoon
  • Warm water each morning to wash yourselves
  • Boiled Purified Water after breakfast to refill your water bottles
  • Camping Equipment : two person tent - 3 season (brands The North Face, REI)
  • Tent for kitchen, tent for dinning , mattresses, camping stools, camping tables and cooking gear, oxygen, first- Aid – Kit
  • Fairly treated Porters carry the camping equipment, tents, food, cooking gear, dining tents.
  • Extra porters to carry your duffel bag this includes your sleeping bags. Max 6 kilos p.p (clients carry a day pack with essencial belongings)
  • Health and Insurance for our porters, cooks, assistants, field crew and Inca Explorers staff
  • Bus from Machupicchu down to Aguas Calientes ( 25’ )
  • Afternoon tourist train/Bus to Cusco – Expedition class
  • Transfer from train station to Hotel

Not Included:
  • Meals not mentioned in the program (example: dinners in Cuzco)
  • Entry fee to Huaynapicchu Mt.( add $65.00). **Require to make reservations in advance
  • Sleeping bag Add $ 20.00 (for the whole trip, sleeping bags are from down and feathe
  • If you want to upgrade your train to Vistadome Class or to an earlier train $ 40.00 p.p
  • Gratuities
  • Extra personal expenses
  • Internal Flights, insurance. Visas. Cancellation fees
  • Excursion to the Sacred Valley ,City Tour in Cusco, River Rafting
Hotel: American Buffet breakfast
City Tour Includes: Private Tourist transport, professional English speaking guid
Not include: Visitors pass $ 53.00
Reservation:
  • Important: Important - Under current park regulations, trek permits are sold on a first come/first served basis, and are limited to 500 persons per day, including passengers, guides, cooks and porters. We would recommend you to make your reservations as far in advance as possible, popular dates from April to August get book early.
To make your reservations we require the following information:
  • ** your full name as it appears on your passport
  • ** your nationality
  • **passport number
  • ** date of birth
  • **occupation
  • **gender
  • ** If student you must send scan your ISIC Card current from
  • ** If you required to hire extra porter to carry your personal day belongings ( we need to reserve their spaces as well)
  • **Deposit of 500.00 per person of the tour price in advance. You may want to charge on your credit Card Visa (we only take Visa Card)
  • **Remain balance will be paid upon arrival in Cusco

Extra excursions in Cusco with our travel agency:
(You can pay for these separately upon arrival in Cuzco)

City tour in Cusco: Everyday 13:00 - 18:00 pm
Price: $ 25.00 Min 4 ✓
In the early afternoon enjoy the Cusco city tour that includes the visit to impressive Incan temples & ceremonial sites around Cusco city like; Sacsayhuaman (Temple of the lightning ) with its incredible-precise stone work and its megalithic constructions, the amphitheatre of Qénko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay ( temple dedicated to the water). Then Visit the Cathedral and the Koricancha, the holiest Incan ritual site in the area. With it finest stone work . Return to your hotel and free time at leisure to explore the city its picturesque streets, souvenirs shops, splendid Cusco restaurants.

Sacred Valley of the Incas: Daily departure 08:30 - 18:30 pm
Price: $ 39.00 p.p Min 4 Pax ✓
After breakfast we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the amazing landscapes and Andean mountains views accompany us in our journey, as we see traditional villages, farming scenes & colorful clotting. Then we descend to the sacred Valley of the Incas and note that Incan people found in this as a paradise for farming and develop advanced irrigation techniques. Later in Pisac town on a side of the Urubamba River visit the Pisac traditional food market and the handy crafts market, and the site above this town from where you have a amazing view of all the Valley.

We continue along the Valley and reach Urubamba where you can have lunch ( this is on your own)Afternoon we go toward to Ollantaytambo Village an authentic Inca living town we ascend to The Ollantaytambo ruins an outstanding ritual site, formed by enormous beautifully carved stones and wonder how come they could transport megalithic blocks at such a location. Enjoy of the same impressive views over the valley. Later it was used as a fortress by Manco Inca Yupanqui in the final inca’s rebellion against the Spanish invasion. We return to Cusco.

River Rafting at Urubamba river:
The Urubamba river runs from the high Andean ranges down through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, past Machupicchu and into the jungle. It has some exciting white water depending on the section of the river being done and the time of the year. One of our most popular rafting sections during the season is the "Cusipata" section of the river on the Upper Urubamba. There are good class IIl rapids and the water is not contaminated, as unfortunately the Sacred Valley of the Incas sections of the river are.

Day 1: We pick you up at your hotel , after one and a half hours drive we arrive to the put -in at the shores of the Upper Urubamba River, at "CASA CUSI" our private campground. Our professional Rafting Guides will give you a safety talk and provide you with all the proper equipment for Rafting. We would be floating for approximately two and a half hours, running class II and III , introductory type rapids. Afterwards , we arrive to the take-out where our private bus will be waiting for us to take us back to CASA CUSI, where a hot Sauna will be waiting and a full course lunch will be provided. Our return to Cusco should be around 5 in the afternoon
Price: $ 45.00 p.person ✓

Includes:
  • Transportation from Cusco to the put-in at the River
  • All the rafting equipment, such as Helmet , Life jacket, paddle, self bailing Raft
  • Spray Jacket, wet Suit
  • Professional English speaking Rafting guide
  • Delicious lunch
  • Transportation back from the River

Prices & Dates


Tour Information:

Season: March to December - All year on request
Difficulty: Moderate

Dates & Prices:

More information about dates and prices upon request.

CONTACT US!

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Eric Albino
Eric Albino Lliuya
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