Classic Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 treks in the world. In just 26 miles (45km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas”.
The Classic 4 day Inca Trail winds through the Andes of Peru to the jewel in South Americas crown “Machu Picchu.” A 43km journey through the biodiversity of the Andes take us trekking over mountains, through cloud forest, listening to the birds and learning about the history, fauna and flora of the ancient trail of the Inkas to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
Our professional guides and staff will make your trip a lifetime experience on this world famous trail.
Please note that our service is complete, you are not required to carry your equipment and will be provided with duffel bags to store clothing etc. You will be expected to carry your day pack with water, rain gear, camera etc.
Day 1. Cusco to Wayllabamba
Leaving Cusco at 6am we will drive to Ollantaytambo where a hot breakfast is waiting for us and the chance to make some last minute buys. We depart Ollanta for KM82 our starting point for the Inca Trail. Crossing the Urubamba river we begin our trek through typical dry forest growing cacti, prickly pears and the Tara tree. We will walk around 3 hours (6kms) to Llactapata the first archaeological site on our journey. A further 1 km and we arrive to lunch and the chance to relax for a moment. 4 kilometres of gentle uphill through farmland takes us to Wayllabamba and our campsite for the night. 3,100ms.
Lunch, dinner.
Walking – 12kms or 8 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,700ms, 8990 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 3,100ms, 10000feet
Altitude of camp – 3,100ms , 10000 feet.
Day 2.
Early departure as today is the most challenging in the entire trek. We will climb 1000ms, 3280feet over 8 kms, 5 miles. We will leave the small villages and farmland to enter the sub tropical forest The incredible ascent through an endangered Polylepis forest takes us to our lunch site of Llulluchapampa (3,700ms or 12370feet) and the incredible vista all around us. After a short lunch break we continue onwards and upwards for 3 kms (1.8 miles) to the most famous Peruvian pass, Dead Womans Pass at 4,200ms, 13780feet. The feeling of reward is beyond description. We will continue downwards 600ms (1980 feet) over 3 kms (1.8 miles) through very humid forest to the evening campsite of Pacaymayo, where our staff will be waiting for us.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Walking – 11kms or 6.8 miles
Minimum Altitude – 3,100ms, 10000 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 4,200ms, 13780feet
Altitude of Camp – 3,600ms, 11810 feet
Day 3.
After a healthy breakfast we walk 45 mins to the beautiful Inka site of Runkurakay one of the check points and the beginnings of the original royal Inca trail. We will ascend to the 2nd mountain pass at 3,900ms, 12800 feet and wonderful panoramic views of the snow covered Vilcabamba mountain range. We will continue on to Sayakmarka one of the most beautiful Inka remains on the Inca trail. After a guided tour of the site we will continue on to our lunch at Chaquicocha on the side of the Royal Inka Trail. After lunch we trek through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru, the entrance to the cloud forest and the fabulous examples of orchids and humming birds we will walk for another hour to Phuyupatamarca and wonderful views of Salkantay Mountain. From here we have 3 hours of downhill into the forest and Wiñay Wayna and our camp for the evening. This is the most popular campsite with access to hot showers and a cold beer.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Walking – 12kms, 10.5 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,670ms, 8760 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 3,900ms, 12800feet
Altitude of Camp – 2,670ms, 8760 feet
Day 4.
After saying goodbye to our crew we begin the final part of our trek to Machu Picchu. The trail takes us 6kms to the Sun Gate and your first glimpse of the citadel in its breathtaking backdrop. Here we have the opportunity to take photos and marvel at this outstanding feat of engineering and architecture. After descending to the Citadel we will leave our backpacks at the gate house to allow us to enjoy a full guided tour of the archaeological site. Our guide will rendezvous with us late in the afternoon for our return train to Cusco.
Breakfast.
Walking – 8kms, 5 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,400ms, 7870 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 2,720ms, 8920 feet
IMPORTANT – government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule that was put in place some 4 years ago.
Therefore to guarantee your place on the inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non refundable deposit of $150US. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on trail.
All times noted are approximate.
Included
Professional Guide certified in wilderness first aid.
First aid kit
Oxygen bottle
Chef
Porters to carry equipment and personal equipment.
Duffel bags to put your equipment in.
Inflatable mattress.
Food and snacks as stated.
Transport to the start point
Return train ticket
Return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Camping equipment
Biodegradable toilet.
Biodegradable soap
Not Included
Entrance fee to the national park
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Lunch on the last day
Sleeping bags (You can rent one for $14US for the trip)
Items to Bring
Original Passport
ISIC card if applicable
Walking poles
Backpack with a change of clothing.
Rain gear – jacket and trousers (pants)
Good worn in walking boots (please no new boots)
Layers for hot and cold weather
Mosquito repellent
Sun screen (high factor)
Hat or cap
Camera, film and extra batteries
Torch or flashlight
Sleeping bag (may be rented here for $14US for he 4 days trip)
Water bottle (nalgene type is excellent)
Cash in Soles and US dollars as no machine is available for the 4 days.