The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
Walk in the footsteps of the Incas as you tackle the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You’ll need to be acclimatised to the altitude and in good shape to make the most of this trip, which includes bilingual guide, a personal porter, camping equipment, food and drink, guided tour of Machu Picchu and your return transport to Cusco.
Please note that the Inca Trail is closed in February and is subject to availability of permits
|
Day |
Activity |
Overnight |
Meals* |
|
Day 1 |
Inca Trail (highest point 3,300m/10,830ft) |
Campsite (3,300m/10,830ft) |
B, L, D |
|
Day 2 |
Inca Trail (highest point 4,200m/13,779ft) |
Campsite (3,600m/11,800ft) |
B, L, D |
|
Day 3 |
Inca Trail (highest point 3,680m/12,073ft) |
Campsite (2,680m/8,792ft) |
B, L, D |
|
Day 4 |
Machu Picchu (2,400m/7873ft) & return to Cusco |
- |
B |
* B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Add accommodation in Cusco before and after your trek
- Upgrade to the Vistadome or Luxury Hiram Bingham train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytamo, ask us for prices
- Combine your Inca Trail trek with a trip to Arequipa & Colca Canyon, or to Lake Titicaca
You will leave Cusco early today to drive into the Sacred Valley to the start point of the trek. You will pass through the small Inca town of Ollantaytambo for an optional breakfast (not included). The first day of the Inca Trail is easy going to help you settle in to the trek. Covering 14km of the trail climbing gently up the Cusichaca Valley you pass by the Inca site of Llactapata, enjoy great views of the snow-capped peak Veronica (5900m / 19000ft) and get to see a variety of native plant life and birds throughout the day. Your campsite for the night is at Ayapata (3300m / 10829ft) which is a little further along the trail than most groups go on day 1. The next day's trek up to the pass should be a little easier for you and with fewer tourists at the campsite you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.
Day 2: Inca Trail (highest point 4,200m/13,779ft)
Today is considered by many to be the hardest day of the trek with two high passes to cross (Dead Woman's Pass is the highest at 4200m / 13779ft) and nearly 16km to walk. You will be well supported by your guide and team of porters and enjoy fantastic views of the high mountain ranges. You will also have the chance to visit two Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca). Your campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which like Ayapata is one of the quieter campsites and affords beautiful views of the sun setting over the mountains in the distance.
Day 3: Inca Trail (highest point 3,680m/12,073ft)
Having made it over the two passes yesterday you can enjoy trekking on an "Inca Flat" part of the trail (gentle ascents and descents) giving you the chance to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest around you and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance. Today you will visit two of the most impressive Inca sites on the trail - Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna. After settling in to your campsite at Winay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft) you will have an extensive guided tour of the archaeological site in the afternoon.
Day 4: Machu Picchu (2,400m/7873ft) & return to Cusco
Waking up very early this morning you will head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu and once the site opens can continue trekking to the Sun Gate where you'll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu you'll have a two hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and (if you have requested permits in advance) to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue from there back to Cusco by bus.
- Pre-trek briefing meeting
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual tour guide (and assistant guide for groups over 9 people)
- Transportation to and from Cusco (bus and Expedition train)
- Drinking water (from lunchtime on first day)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified, plus snacks
- Professional cook
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4-man tent as standard for 2 passengers
- Roll-matt type mattress
- Porters to carry camping & cooking equipment
- Extra porter to carry up to 7kgs of your personal belongings
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- First aid kit including oxygen
- Sleeping bag
- Unspecified meals and services
- Optional tips for guides and porters
- Accommodation in Cusco
- International or domestic flights (available separately)
- Airport taxes
Note that no accommodation in Cusco is included in the 4D/3N Inca Trail Package.
- Original passport (and valid ISIC card if applicable)
- Sleeping bag
- Walking boots
- Sandals (for the campsites)
- Waterproof clothing and rain poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat
- Small backpack
- Comfortable clothing
- Sun cream (factor 30+ recommended)
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera, memory card and batteries
- Torch
- Cash for snacks and optional tips
- Refillable water bottle