Cusco, Sacred Valley & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
7 days / 6 nights

Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machu Picchu is reached at sunrise on the last day.

Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival to Cusco & Half Day City Tour

  Transfer airport – Cusco hotel
  Cusco city tour and nearby archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay
The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko, Puca Pucará and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca.
  Overnight: In Cusco City


Day 2: Full day Sacred Valley

  Breakfast at Hotel
  Full day guided tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo) including lunch.
You will be driven through a scenic landscape to the Urubamba Valley, the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Arriving at the town of Pisac, an hour drive from Cusco, you will visit the colorful Pisac Market, where the local indians meet to sell their merchandise as they have done it for centuries. There is also a handicraft market. The tour continues to the town of Ollantaytambo from where you will climb up to its imposing Inca fortress at the top of the mountain.
  Overnight: In Cusco City

Day 3: Inca Trail - Cusco to Wayllabamba

Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Inca Trail - Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Inca Trail - Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Meals: Breakfast

  Overnight: In Cusco City


Day 7: Transfer to Cusco Airport

  Transfer Cusco hotel - airport

Inca Trail Notes
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.


Difficulty degree of the Inca Trail hike
Moderate to challenging

Inca Trail Departure dates 2010

Fixed departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February (please contact us to check our scheduled departures to alternatives routes).

All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: www.inc-cusco.gob.pe.

We have the following fixed departures dates scheduled:
  April: 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28

  May: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 26, 29, 31
  June: 2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18 (arrival MP on June 21 / winter solstice), 23, 26, 28, 30
  July: 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
  August: 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28
  September: 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
  October: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
  November: 3, 10, 17, 24
  December: 1, 8, 15, 21 (arrival MP on Dec 24 to enjoy Christmas in MP), 28 (arrival MP on Dec 31st for New Year’s Eve)

Groups may be confirmed on alternative dates to the ones stated provided a minimum group size of 6 passengers is reached upon booking.


Inca Trail - Important Notice

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

THEREFORE:
The spaces booked provided will be guaranteed only if:
1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
2. The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for.
  Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend making your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible. Otherwise, we have also available alternative routes of equally awesome beauty and interest to offer to you.

VERY IMPORTANT:
 The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
a. Complete names and surnames
b. Nationality
c. Passport number
d. Date of Birth
e. Gender

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform our Reservation Department via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit.

We exclude any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.


Group Size Maximum 12, no minimum required

Price Information

on a basis of Double Occupancy at specified hotels

NOTE: Prices are subject to changes according to the increase/decrease of suppliers costs.

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
  Students: USD 40.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
  Teenagers: USD 40.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
  Children: USD 80.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned):
 SAE: 5% on full program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered


What is included

  Assistance
  Transfers as specified in the itinerary
  Guided tours as specified in the itinerary
  3 nights in Cusco City including breakfasts at hotels
  Inca Trail 4days/3nights (camping)
  Backpacker Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Cusco (one way)
  All entrance fees included
  Transportation as specified in the itinerary
  Bilingual (English/Spanish) official guide during your itinerary
  Shared/Group Services

Included in the 4d/3n Inca Trail

  Pre-departure briefing
  Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
  Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (only for one day)
  Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
  One foamy sleeping pad per person
  Dining tent with tables and chairs
  Kitchen tent
  Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets)
  English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
  Chef and cooking equipment
  Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
  Accommodation for all our staff
  Meals (04 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
  Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
  First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  Round Trip Bus tickets from the village of Aguas Caliente) to Machu Picchu Citadel and back (only for one day)
  Transfer from the Train Station to your Hotel

Optional services to be hired

-   An extra porter to carry your personal items. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people
-   An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Please note that if you wish to visit Machu Picchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is not included
-   Sleeping bag rent at an additional cost. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
-   Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent at an additional cost
-   Massage sessions at an additional cost. Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco and offer the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after your trekking program. Services are at the hotel and are only available in Cusco.
-   Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost. (*) Pls note that our guide travels back to Cusco in the Backpacker train in all group services, so if you wish to book this extra service, you will not be accompanied by our guide.
-   Hiram Bingham Luxury Orient Express train instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost. This train departs Aguas Calientes at 6.00pm and includes a gourmet dinner on board, with an estimated arrival time to Poroy train station at 9.30pm. (*) Pls note that our guide travels back to Cusco in the Backpacker train in all group services, so if you wish to book this extra service, you will not be accompanied by our guide.


What we recommend that you bring for the Inca Trail

  A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
  Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
  Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
  Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
  Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Th
  ermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
  Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
  Sleeping pad: will be provided by us but is to be carried by you
  Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
  Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  Sun block
  After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
  Handkerchiefs
  Toilet paper
  Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
  Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
  Small towel
  Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
  Cash in soles and/or USD
  Original Passport
  Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
  Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Appropriate clothing along the Inca Trail

Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, and can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.


Weather

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

How to make a Booking

If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website.

1. Once you have chosen your tour, please fill out and submit the Reservation Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
2. In a maximum of two working days, you will receive an email from one of our travel advisors confirming or denying your booking.
3. In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to secure your reservation.
4. Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Voucher of Services will be sent to you including all the details of your program.

In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please contact us, we will be very pleased assisting you.