This is exactly the same 4 days / 3 nights itinerary the different is that you will visit Machu Picchu and come back to Cusco on third day
For the Inca Trail, reservations should be made at least 4 months in advance because the Peruvian government has a strict limit on the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail. Permits are issued to about 200 trekkers and 300 porters per day.
If you have a group of 4 or more people, we can open a departure on any date
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Day 1: Cusco – Km82 – Ayapata
We will start our journey by picking you up early from your hotel between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. We will travel by bus to a breakfast stop (not included in the price of this trek) in Ollataytambo to load up on energy. After breakfast, we will reload the bus and travel to Piskacucho (also referred to as kilometre 82) where we will begin our trek. Upon arrival at kilometre 82, you will need to present your entrance tickets, passports, and (if paying the student rate) student cards.
The start of the Inca Trail is at an elevation of (2,720 m/8,923 ft). From here, we will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up on the flat Inca terrain. We will have great views of the Incan fortress Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called “Patallacta”), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of W’akay Willca (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as Veronica. Our first campsite at Ayapata will be a 90 minute hike up to the small village of Wayllabamba, at an elevation of (3,000m/9,842ft) in the temperate green valley. The temperature at night here is usually around 10°C / 50°F.
- Walking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate (warm up to the Inca trail)
- Weather : Warm and windy
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Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman´s pass – Chaquicocha
After an early wake up between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. for a hearty breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass of the trail, Abra de Huarmihuañusca, or “Dead Woman’s Pass”, at (4,200m/13,779ft). En route, we will be able to see hummingbirds and other wildlife. We will also have time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees such as the Polilepys or Q’ueuña, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest at (3,650m/11,972ft) above sea level. A true sense of achievement is felt when reaching the top of the mountain pass. After a break at the top of the pass, we will begin the descent to the lunch stop which is located at Pacamayu, at (3,550m/11,646ft). After lunch is another steep climb to the Runkuraqay Pass, at (4,000m/13,123ft). We will arrive at our campsite by 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. This will be a very long day, but filled with spectacular views. The temperature at this campsite will be around 6°C / 43°F at night.
- Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 3600 meters / 11,811 feet above sea level (chilled weather)
- Difficulty: Challenging (we will summit two passes)
- Area : Andes and the cloud forest
- Weather : Cold and rainy
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Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will wake up for an energizing breakfast at 5:00 a.m. and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, meaning: “Town in the Clouds”. This will be the third highest point on the trail, at an elevation of (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons, and surrounding areas are spectacular. The Inca site Phuyupatamarca is located a few minutes walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we will continue walking onwards through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Inca site of Intipata before reaching our final campsite, Wiñay Wayna, at (2,680m/8,792ft). Day 3 requires approximately only 5 hours of walking to reach Wiñay Wayna, meaning: “Forever Young”. An Inca site of the same name is located a short distance from this campsite. Even if you are tired after Day 3, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
We will leave Wiñay Wayna at 11:00 a.m. in order to get to Inti Punku, the “Sun Gate”, located at (2730m/8,792ft). At the Sun Gate, you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu located below.We will continue walking down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (postcard shot) of this ancient city.
At Machu Picchu, you will have a 2 hour walking tour of this mysterious city, followed by free time for your own exploration.
Once you have completed your tour of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes and then the train for your return trip to Cusco.
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Inca Trail Express 3D / 2N
Including Personal Porter (7kg / 15lbs)
Price: US $550 per person (Based on 4 person group rate)
- Don’t need a Personal Porter? – US $30 discount
- Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – US $20 discount
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Included
- Professional guide fluent in English
- Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
- Private bus to the start of the trail
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Two-person tents with plenty of room for your belongings
- Sleeping mattress
- Meals cooked by an experienced chef: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks!
- Delicious food that is rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
- Coca tea served each morning in your tent for a gentle start to the day
- Boiled water to refill your water bottles.
- Happy hour including hot drinks such as mate de coca and locally grown coffee which is prepared by our cook.
- Snacks every morning.
- Porters to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment Dining and kitchen tents
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to the village of Aguas Calientes
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first morning
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the final day
- Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (optional: 10 soles)
- Sleeping bags
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
What you need to bring
- Original passport
- For students: original ISIC card
- Insurance card/certificate
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- 2-4 t-shirts
- 2 pants (1 for hiking, 1 for when you are relaxing)
- Thermal underwear for sleeping
- Hand sanitizer
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water for the first day
- Toiletries/ Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Camera and Batteries
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Cash (in Peruvian nuevos soles)
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Tips for the Staff: Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small gifts, such as clothing and school equipment for their children. A normal amout for the group to tip is S/40-50 for each porter and S/80-90 for the chef. The group will pool money for the tip, this is not an individual amount.
Refunds: If InkaTrail.com fails to confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded in full.
Health and Safety: A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medication. We reccommend that you meet with a doctor before you book the trek if you have questionable health.
Huayna Picchu Climb: Only 400 people can climb this mountain per day. If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, tickets need to be booked in advanced. The price for the ticket is US $65. It is recommended to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain at 10:00 a.m. Otherwise, you will miss out on the walking tour of Machu Picchu.
Food on the Inca Trail: Always fresh and featuring organic ingredients, the food on the Inca Trail is always something to look forward to. There is always plenty to eat and lots of options including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and other sources of protein and carbohydrates. On our tours, everyone sits down to eat together and enjoy each others company. We go out of our way to accomodate all special dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options and food allergies.
Return train for the end of the Inca Trail: Your return train to Cusco is the Expedition train which departs either at 6:35 or 9:45 p.m. We can also book an afternoon train departure time of 2:55 or 4:35 p.m. for you if you prefer, at an extra cost of US $25. The train we will book depends on availabilty and will be confirmed at your briefing. There is also an option to upgrade your train to the Vistadome train which is an extra US $65 per person. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking the tour. Unfortunately, none of the trains go straight to Cusco, they run either to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. In either case we will transfer you back by bus to your hotel in Cusco.
Storage during your Inca Trail: You can leave any of your belongings that you do not want to bring on the trek at your hotel or hostel you were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel, we would be more than happy to securely store you belongings for you.
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