Welcome to The Inca Trail.
Embark on one of the most life-changing experiences in the World
Peru’s best-known hike is visited by thousands of tourists every year, but our five-day program is an experience unique in the industry. Each day has an intentional purpose and achievement built into the hiking program. The fourth night is spent celebrating at a luxury hotel, so that you are well-rested for your tour of Machu Picchu the following day. This 43-km trek combines hiking, visits to ancient archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery, lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna, and a celebration of your journey before touring the Sacred Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Signature Inca Trail (5D/4N)
This is the ideal way to experience the Inca Trail. The extra night means two things: you’re not rushing through the trail and there are fewer crowds. You’ve traveled all the way across the world, do yourself a favor by spending one more day for the perfect experience.
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History of Incan Culture and Traditions
You will be picked up from your hotel, and upon our arrival at Km 82 (2,792 m/9,158 ft), we will unpack and prepare ourselves for the hike ahead of us alongside our excursion team (cooks, assistants, and porters). Soon after, we will climb up to a small plateau where we’ll take in amazing views of the Andes with a beautiful Inca building known as “Patallacta” nestled at the base of the mountains before arriving at our first camp site in Wayllabamba.
· Accommodation: Camping
· Highest Elevation: 3,000m/ 9,843 ft
· Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
· Distance to walk: 12 km/ 7,47 miles
· Approximate walk time: 5 - 6 hours
· Level of Difficulty: Moderate
· Meals: Lunch & Dinner
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Unloading your personal burden
We will wake up around 5:00 AM. We will walk along a narrow road covered by plants and across a small bridge that will lead us towards a uniquely beautiful cloud forest. Once we reach the top of the mountain, we will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Andes mountains. At the top, you will be able to take pictures of the classic Inca Trail.
During this journey, you will participate in an ancient tradition of unburdening yourself from an unwanted aspect of your life.
Arrive at Pacaymayo camp for the night.
· Accommodation: Camping
· Highest Elevation: 4,200 m/13,776 ft
· Lowest Elevation: 3,600m/11,808ft
· Distance to walk: 11 km /6,84 miles
· Approximate walk time: 6 - 7 hours
· Level of Difficulty: Challenging (due to elevation)
· Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
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Honoring your ancestors and the traditions in your past.
Start your day at 5:00 AM. After a savory breakfast, we will ascend the Pacaymayo pass alongside Andean geese and other native bird species. After the pass, we will descend through a beautiful valley full of plants. At the third pass we can enjoy the ancient Inca viewing platforms which overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town) and camp for the night.
· Accommodation: Camping
· Highest Elevation: 3,970m/13,022ft
· Lowest Elevation: 3,700m/12,136ft
· Distance to walk: 11 km/ 6.8 miles
· Approximate walk time: 6 - 7 hours
· Level of Difficulty: Challenging
. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Celebrating your journey
We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca , then begin a long descent through ever- changing layers of cloud forest. Mid-morning, we will arrive at Inti Punku or “Sun Gate” a magnificent outlook over the city of Machu Picchu. Here you will be able to relax and take picturesque photos of the group before we make our way down to the iconic Machu Picchu: one of the Wonders of the World. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu and then by bus to our luxurious hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The hotel has hot showers and luxurious rooms and tonight we enjoy a celebration dinner and toast to the journey we’ve traveled so far. Spend the night in a cozy, warm bed in anticipation of the tour tomorrow.
· Accommodation: 5-star luxury hotel
· Highest Elevation: 3,970m/13,022ft
· Lowest Elevation: 2,430m/7,972ft
· Distance to walk: 11 km/ 6.8 miles
· Approximate walk time: 6 - 7 hours
· Level of Difficulty: Challenging
· Meals: Breakfast, lunch and celebration dinner.
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Touring Machu Picchu
After a restful night, we board the bus that leads back to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu . Upon reaching the citadel, we will begin the ascent of Huaynapicchu., where you will enjoy the best view of Machu Picchu only available to a select few hikers in the world. After touring the remaining archeological sites, we return to the station to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, then return to the city of Cusco by bus.
Transportation to your hotel in Cusco where you reunite with your International luggage is provided.
· Accommodation: On your own.
· Highest Elevation: 2,430m/ 7,972 ft
· Lowest Elevation: 2,040m/ 6,692 ft
· Approximate time of Visit: 2-3 hours
· Tickets to Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu are included.
· Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Included
§ Briefing and orientation at 5:00pm the night before the trek at our office in Cusco.
§ Private Transportation from Cusco to the start of the Inca Trail: km82.
§ Professional English speaking guide.
§ One night luxury hotel accommodation, celebration cocktails and celebration dinner.
§ Entrance fee for the Inca Trail, two Machu Picchu tickets and Huaynapicchu hiking ticket.
§ 3-person North Face tent shared by only two hikers.
§ Inka Trek has established the groundbreaking industry policy of including gratuities, even substantial ones to guides, chefs, drivers and porters, from beginning to end of your luxury trek. We’ve completely removed the anxiety about when to reach into your pocket for a gratuity, as well as figuring out how much.
§ One inflatable sleeping pad per person.
§ Kitchenware, tables and chairs, dining tent
§ Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment.
§ Duffle bag for personal luggage.
§ Personal luggage. Maximum 12 pounds (6 kilograms) per person.
§ All camp waste removal per the Peruvian government specifications.
§ Andean chef specializes in exquisite camping meals
§ All meals in the daily itinerary, daily morning snack and daily tea service.
§ Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
§ One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.
§ Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
§ Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night
§ Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities.
§ Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
§ Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
§ Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus ticket to Cusco.
o Transfer from the train station to hotel in Cusco.
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$2450 per person: 1-4 guests.
$2150 per person: 4-8 guests.
$1850 for 8-12 guests. The 12th person is included at no charge.
Private guide and hiking staff: $2950 per person.
A nonrefundable deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve a trek. This will be used to purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets which are nonrefundable, non transferrable and non changeable.
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§ Original passport
§ Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
§ Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
§ Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbak or Water Bottle NALGENE 1L, are encouraged - at least 2-3 liters.
§ Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
§ Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
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Porters will carry up to 6 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag . You can bring one or buy one when you get here.
o 2-3 wicking t-shirts
o 2-3 hiking pants
o 4 sets of undergarments.
o 4 sets of hiking socks
o 1 Fleece
o 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
o 1 Rain jacket and pants
o 1 sun hat
o 1 wool hat
o Headlamp: essential
o Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
o Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
o Walking boots
o Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
o Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
o Battery Charger.
o Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean clothes from dirty clothes.
o Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -16C minimum temperatures.
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Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 12x 25 x 17 inches will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
o Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning
o Sunhat
o Rain gear
o Fleece
o Camera
o Music (iPhone)
o Hand sanitizer
o Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
o Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Extra Tips
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o International flights to Cusco, Peru.
o Sleeping Bag. You can bring your own or buy one when you arrive at our office in Cusco for the orientation.
o Extra Porter if your luggage is more than 12 pounds.
o Rubber-tipped walking poles.
o Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles).
o Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
o Dinner on day 5, after returning to your own hotel in Cusco.
o Hotel accommodation before and after your trek Cusco
o Extra services not mentioned in the program
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The night before your trek begins, there is a mandatory oriental and document verification at our office in Cusco at 5:00pm.
You’ll receive your duffle bag with a list and weight specifications.
You’ll have a chance to purchase any supplies that you might not have brought with you and complete a full gear inspection.
Please bring your passport and arrive at the address below:
210 Calle Garcilaso
Cusco, Peru 08002
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