
Inca Trail 4 days + Machu Picchu
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itinerary: Inca Trail 4 days + Machu Picchu
Day 01: Cusco – Wayllabamba
Between 5:00 and 5:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. Then we go to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community located at kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left bank of the Urubamba River as it flows northwest through the Sacred Valley. Following the path along a flat terrain, we arrive at Miskay (2800 masl), to then ascend and finally see, from the highest part of a viewpoint, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 masl).
We continue walking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually ascending for approximately five hours until we reach our first camp in the town of Wayllabamba (3000 masl). Along the way, we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Verónica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found throughout the valley.
Breakfast, lunch
Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We get up around 6:00 am and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of a steep and abrupt ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry, high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Pass of the Dead Woman), we see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on the ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so-called cloud forest, which is the habitat of many different types of birds such as hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also known as the spectacled bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).
We advise that on this day especially, your day pack is well stocked with sweets, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help you with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend to the Pacaymayo valley (3600 masl), where we camp after approximately 6 hours of walking.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Camp
Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest, but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites we visit and learn from our guide. From Pacaymayo we go up to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After passing the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Laguna Negra) and enter the cloud forest to finally reach Sayacmarca (3624 masl). This is a beautiful complex formed by a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation channels.
Continuing with an easy ascent, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). Throughout this ascent we can appreciate the magnitude of the ancient craft of the Incas, walking along paths semi-separated from the mountain and seeing rocks that fill the ravines in perfect order, saving the trail of the Andean geography of various levels. We go through an Inca tunnel to then reach the mentioned pass and go 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 it is located at the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town above the clouds.” From above, you can see a sophisticated sacred complex formed by water sources with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba river valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl). In this campsite we find a hostel with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers.
This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and it is located at the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town above the clouds.” From above, you can see a sophisticated sacred complex formed by water sources with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba river valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl). In this campsite we find a hostel with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Camp
Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
On this fourth and last day, we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and go up to Intipunku, or the Puerta del Sol. This will take an hour of walking along a path of flat stones on the edges from the cliffs in the highland jungle. From this fabulous place, we can see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”.
Then we descend to the control point where we register and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will last approximately two hours. Then you will have free time to walk, climb the Huaynapicchu mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you wish, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we take the train to the city of Cusco.
Breakfast
Inclusions
Included
- Transfer from your hotel to km 82.
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
- English and Spanish professional guide.
- Cook: Specialized
- Accommodation for guides, cook and porters.
- Power 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Service (Expedition)
- Bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Tents, tables, chairs, dining room, kitchen tent.
- oxygen balloon
- First aid kit
Not Included
- Breakfast the first day.
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Entrance to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag $20 usd all the trek
- Walking sticks. $20 usd
- Huaynapicchu. $60
What you should bring:
Recommendations
- A backpack from 50 to 70L.
- Passport or identity document, the same reservation document.
- Blouses, shorts and warm clothes for the 4-day hike.
- cut wind and rain
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Camera, film, and batteries (batteries drain faster in cold conditions)
- Caps or hats to protect yourself.
- Toiletries, toilet paper.
- Sunscreen, repellent, flashlight.
- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolates, etc.
- Bottle of water and purification tablets.
- Sleeping bag
- Student card from your university (if applicable).
- Small towel, bathing suit (if necessary to bathe).
- Extra money
- Charger for additional personal items (U$120.00 for 4 days), 01 carrier can carry up to 8 kg.
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes (U $ 40.00 Basic)
- Additional entrance to Machu Picchu (U.S. $50.00)
- Bus Ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes ($10.00)
- Admission to climb the Waynapicchu (U $ 60.00)
- Sleeping bag (Rental) U $ 20.00
Price
shared tours
- 2 people: $790
- 3 people: $770
- 4 people: $710
- 5 people: $670
- 6 people: $650
- 7 people: $640
- 8 or more people: $610
DISCOUNT FOR STUDENTS: 20 US dollars
- Discount for children under 18: US$30
Additional / Extras NOT included (Need to book in advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountaineering: USD 60.00
- Huayna Picchu Mountaineering: USD 60.00
- Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes-Cusco: USD50.00
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of hotel desired.
EXTRA (optional):
- Personal porter (half) to carry 7 kg of personal items US $90.00
- Complete porter to carry 14 kg of personal items US $ 180.00 (two people can share it)
- Sleeping bag US$20
- Walking stick US$15 per pair per trek
- Inflatable mattress US$20
- Supplement for a single tent US$30
Private tours!
Choose your private tour and enjoy the most fascinating history of the city of Cusco, the capital of the Incas and Machu Picchu. We will organize everything based on your interest, receive the most personalized service, avoid the crowd and try to have the place just for you! Request your private tour now!
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