Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek 4 days is the most complete trek in our region
Machu Picchu
Trek & Adventure
Challenging
Trek: 43km
4 Days and 3 nights
2Cº / 28 Cº
4,215m/13,829ft
Price from: 659USDper person
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL + MACHU PICCHU 4D/3N
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – WAYLLABAMBA: Trekking.
Our expedition begins at 5:30 am. The private transportation will take us to Ollantaytambo where we will have our first breakfast buffet style. At kilometer 82 is the checkpoint and our starting point on the Inca Trail. This first day on the trail is the least strenuous and serves as an acclimatization and warm-up for the following days. After the first two hours of hiking is Llaqtapata, here we have an introduction about the importance of the Inca Trail in the 15th century. We will have lunch and continue our hike to Wayllabamba for the first night of rest.
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYO: Trekking
Our day begins with breakfast. After breakfast here begins the most difficult but not impossible part of the Inca Trail, we will reach the highest point of the expedition to photograph the incredible views of the snow-capped mountains. Then three more hours of trekking to the Abra Warmiwañiusca 4,200 meters (13,779.53 feet). (13.779,53 feet). After a brief stop we continue the descent to Pacaymayo, where we will rest.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PUYU PATAMARKA – WIÑAY HUAYNA : Trekking
After breakfast, we start climbing to the archaeological complex Runkurakay, here we have a guided tour, we continue the ascent to the second highest point of the Inca Trail, reaching an altitude of 3 850 meters (12 631.23 feet) further on is the citadel of Sayacmarca and Puyupatamarca, another important archaeological site. Here we will have lunch and take a short rest. Our last camp will be: Wiñay Huayna, an archaeological complex of great importance.
DAY 4: WIÑAY HUAYNA – INTIPUNKU – MACHUPICCHU.
This day we will start very early with a walk of one hour and thirty minutes to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will appreciate the sunrise and our first view of Machu Picchu and then we will begin our two-hour guided tour. The tour will take us throughout the Inca City, visiting the main sites, such as enclosures, plazas, sacred fountains, temples, the agricultural and urban sectors. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu and take more pictures for the memory, we will take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, here the last lunch. Later we will return by train to Cusco City.
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Whats Included?
Included
- Tour with Professional guide (08 people maximum).
- Mobility from Cusco to Kilometer 82 beginning of the Inca Trail.
- 3 nights camping in double tent.
- Tents: EUREKA K2-XT.
- A Duffle bag
- Hiking backpack.
- Porter in charge of carrying 8kl of the equipment.
- Mattress.
- Dining tent.
- Kitchen tent.
- Bathroom tent.
- Chairs and tables.
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Return bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Support equipment
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen.
- Specified Meals:
- 04 Breakfasts
- 03 Lunches
- 03 Tea time
- 03 Dinners
*Vegetarian Food upon request.
* Train schedules will be confirmed at the time of payment.
Not included
- Huayna Picchu tickets (extra cost $70).
- Sleeping bag (extra cost $25 USD).
- Hiking sticks (extra cost $15 USD).
- Air Mattress (extra cost $15 USD).
- Drinks.
- Tips.
- Travel health insurance.
Price
We can leave any day of the week, as long as there is a minimum of 2 people already confirmed. We can also do private tours.
Price:
Price from: 659USDper person
Additional items
1. Huayna Picchu: The cost of the ticket is $70 dollars per person.
Huayna Picchu is a mountain within the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, it is a 45 minute hike to the top.
To purchase this additional you have to let us know at least 2 months in advance due to high demand, schedules and details of your visit to this site will be confirmed in the previous meeting that we will have.
3. Vistadome Train: This train costs $70 dollars per person.
All our tours include the Expeditions train if you want an additional one we can offer you the Vistadome train which gives you more comfortable seats, large panoramic windows and we will include transportation back to your hotel.
Packing List
- We recommend carrying only the necessary luggage for the four days of the tour. Large backpacks with equipment that are not needed for the expedition should be left in the city of Cusco (at your hotel or in our main office).
- A small backpack of 30 to 60 liters capacity, remember that a large part of your belongings (08 kg) will go with the porters.
- 04 T-Shirts.
- 02 or 03 trekking pants (fast drying).
- Pants and thermal pole (first layer).
- A light sweater.
- Waterproof clothing.
- Warm jacket (of feather or fiber).
- Hiking boots.
- Flips flops.
- Hat or cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water bottle
- Repellent for mosquitoes (30% Deet or more).
- Original Passport.
- Personal medications.
- Flashlight.
- Personal hygiene items: Wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush.
- The most friendly and positive attitude possible.
Faqs
What type of backpack is necessary for the trip?
For this trip, we recommend a 30-60 liter backpack with clothes that are only necessary for the 4 days of the trip. The rest of your luggage will be left in storage at your hotel in Cusco or at the Lorenzo Expeditions office.
How can I access Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain?
Para subir a una de las dos montañas, debe comprar el boleto de ingreso con anticipación. Huaynapicchu tiene un costo extra de $70 USD por persona y se recomienda reservar los boletos con al menos 2 meses de anticipación. Si desea reservar la entrada para Huaynapicchu, póngase en contacto con nuestro equipo de reservas.
Will there be accommodations or will we be camping?
All the nights will be in camping.
What form of payment should I use?
You can make a deposit on our website to confirm your reservation, it is very important to confirm the available places (send an email to: [email protected]) before making the deposit. The remaining balance must be paid in cash (dollars or soles) at our office in Cusco. We do not accept credit or debit cards.
LETS EXPLORE INCA TRAIL
About
The excursion to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail in Peru is one of the most incredible tours that Peru can offer, due to the beautiful landscapes, history and culture behind these trails leaves more than one surprised.
In our tour we will visit a part of the famous Qhapaq Ñan which is a circuit of multiple roads that linked the Inca empire, in 4 days we will know more about this wonderful culture to culminate in one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
Located about 2,500 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu was an Inca citadel that was built in the 15th century. The citadel was built as a royal hacienda, although it was used for less than 100 years before being abandoned when, due to the arrival of the Spanish, they set out to conquer.
It wasn’t until 1911 that the ruins were rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham III. Although the locals were aware of the ruins, it wasn’t until Hiram climbed the mountain himself that he realized how spectacular his (re) discovery was.
To curb the damage caused by tourism, the entrance to Machu Picchu is “limited” to 6000 people a day, divided into morning and afternoon tickets. Although it seems like a lot, tickets tend to sell out months in advance. For this reason, it is necessary that you make your reservation in advance.
Even more so now that the capacity of Machu Picchu 2021 has been reduced to 50% due to the pandemic, so it is recommended to book in advance.
A brief history
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is, in fact, a small part of a vast network of trails and roads built by the Inca Empire more than 500 years ago.
Depending on the resource you read, it is estimated that the Inca Trails (or Qhapaq Ñan, which means road network) have covered between 23,000 and 45,000 km of distance throughout the empire in the 4 Suyos del Tahuantinsuyo.
Composed mainly of paved stone, the roads were essential to connect the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which stretched from Colombia and Ecuador in the north; through Peru, Chile and parts of Argentina and Bolivia.
The trails ranged in size from 6 to 8 meters wide at their widest (usually in coastal areas) to narrow 1 meter trails in the mountainous regions of the Andes.
The trails were used for a variety of reasons, including trade, efficient transportation, and warfare. Peruvian historian José Antonio del Busto believes that the trails expanded rapidly under the government of Huayna Capac, who is believed to have added 16,000 km of trails.
It is said that Huayna Cápac put emphasis on the trails in order to mobilize his army more quickly and to be able to crush the rebellions that broke out during his reign.
The trails, especially in the mountainous region, are steep, stepped and high, characteristics of the landscape that the llamas are very 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 that tries to avoid steep slopes at all costs and whose ideal (established by the Romans) is the straight road on flat terrain. the Incas were very different: the expansion of their empire was fueled by the flame. “
When the Spanish arrived in Peru in the 15th century, they were amazed by the magnitude, ingenuity, and beauty of the roads, although they had great difficulty navigating them on horseback. Hernando Pizarro, one of the first conquerors to arrive in Cusco, wrote
“The road to the mountains is something to see, because it is built on very difficult terrain. In the Christian world we have not seen such beautiful roads. All crosses have stone or wooden bridges.”
Unlike most roads, which were used for practical purposes, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was only used as a pilgrimage or religious route.
It had no commercial use and that is why it is often called “Camino Real”, “Camino Sagrado Real” or “El Camino del Rey Inca”. The various Inca sites found along the 45 km of the road seem to support this theory.
Hiram Bingham, an American scholar and explorer, who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was surprised to discover the pilgrimage route that led to the city.
Between 1913 and 1915, Bingham and his team discovered much of the overgrown road, and large parts of the road were restored in the 1990s.
Currently, the trail, which is located in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, is considered one of the largest trails in the world and is traveled by thousands of tourists every year.
More Details
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your trip and avoid a few hassles:
Arrive before the tour to Cusco: Try to arrive in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek so that you can acclimatize to the altitude earlier. This will make your hike that much easier.
Use trekking poles: Bring your own trekking poles or rent them with us. You will need them.
Chew coca leaves: If the altitude gives you problems, chew coca leaves. It is the local remedy and is used by many of the guides and porters. You can chew the leaves or buy coca candies.
Trekking shoes: Make sure you buy and wear your trekking shoes at least 1 or 2 months before your trip. This will help you avoid blisters.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray: The last thing you want is a sunburn when hiking in the mountains. In addition, mosquitoes are abundant here and their bites are very biting, so be prepared and apply both things every day.
Having some supplies in a first aid kit will help.
Bring extra snacks: You’ll have plenty of food along the way, but you can bring some of your favorite snacks.
Go to the Huayna Picchu Extra Trek: For an incredible view of Machu Picchu, take an extra hour hike to Huayna Picchu ($ 70 extra). It is a bit tricky and the path is quite narrow, but the views are worth it. If you want to buy these tickets it must be at least 2 months in advance, contact our reservations staff.
Train and exercise before you go: This is a challenging hike. You don’t have to be an Olympian to finish it, but the more you train, the easier the walk will be.
Don’t expect to shower: Showers are available mid-hike, but the water is cold.
Bring extra batteries: Bring an external charger for your cell phone and extra batteries for your camera – it would be tragic to arrive at Machu Picchu and not be able to take a photo or two!
Bring earplugs: The Inca Trail can be very crowded and there will be dozens and dozens of hikers at each campsite. Bring earplugs for loud nights.
Consider the Salkantay: For a less crowded route, consider the Salkantay tour. It has epic views and receives fewer tourists than the Inca Trail.
Stamp: You can stamp your passport with a unique Machu Picchu stamp to commemorate the trip.
In the Peruvian subtropical Andes, two climatic seasons predominate: the dry season: from May to early November, and the wet season with rains begins at the end of November and lasts until May.
The Inca Trail is busiest during the months of the dry season, especially from May to September. If you want to go on an excursion at this time of year, it is advisable to book at least 6 months in advance.
The dry months of March / April and October / November can also be a good time for hiking, although the chance of rain is higher.
December, January and February are the rainiest months, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February (it is possible to do the Short Inca Trail or any of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu during February).
Temperatures in the region are fairly constant throughout the year, with days reaching as high as 20 degrees Celsius (70 and 80 Fahrenheit), and dropping in the low digits to freezing temperatures at night and in the early hours of the morning. .
Temperature fluctuations are also common when ascending the high passes or descending into the valleys exposed to the sun.
It is important to wear layered clothing to adjust comfort levels, as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and at different altitude levels.
The microclimates of the mountains make it possible to find rain at any time of the year, so you should also wear clothes for wet weather.
Faqs
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as the Inca Trail or Inka Trail) is a hiking route in Peru that ends at Machu Picchu. Located in the Andes mountain range, the road crosses various types of Andean environments, such as cloud forest and alpine tundra.
Altitude is the most difficult aspect of the Inca Trail for many people. If you have spent two or three days acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand, the altitude on most hikes will not cause you any problems.
The classic Inca Trail is 42 km long, it is usually traveled for 4 days and 3 nights and is hidden in the beautiful mountains of the Peruvian Andes.
Yes, the Incas used the Inca roads to connect all their territories with Cusco, thus, we can find Inca roads throughout Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Today it is called Qapaq Ñan, which is translated as Imperial Road.
To reserve you have to hire an authorized tour operator (required by the Peruvian Government). Lorenzo Expeditions is one of the best options with high quality and personalized service.
Talking in days would be:
Day 1: Easy
Day 2: Difficult, this is the most difficult day of the trek.
Day 3: Moderate to a bit difficult as there are several steep sections.
Day 4: Easy, on this day you visit Machu Picchu.
First of all, look for a licensed agency, Lorenzo Expeditions is a licensed tour operator. Then book in advance, especially in high season.
Both companies are from Cusco, we will always say that Lorenzo Expeditions is the best for its extensive experience and personalized service.
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