Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

4 Days / 3 nights

Challenging

Age 12+

March to January

This hike is over one of the best and most preserved sectors in the Andes, leading to one of the greatest wonders in the Andean world, Machu Picchu. It is considered one of the five best traveling experiences for its cultural values and breathtaking landscape that has been preserved as a national park by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Day 1

Very early in the morning we will board a transport from the city of Cusco and head in the direction of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Near the river Urubamba we will find the community of Piscacucho (Km82) and it is from here we will begin the classic four day route of the Inca Trail. The first day we will hike 11 kilometers. Along the way we will see diverse archeological centers that are near the Urubamba River. The first night we will camp in the Huayllabamba community (2950 meters above sea level).

Day 2

This will be the most strenuous day of the trip and require the most ascent. We will begin hiking very early in the morning from the Huayllabamba community to the highest point we will reach on our journey which is the Abra of Warmi Wanusqa (4215 meters above sea level). After taking some time to enjoy the beautiful Andean scenery we will begin a descent down to Pacaymayo camp (3350 meters above sea level). This long journey is the same path that the Incan emperors would take.

Day 3

This is the most exciting day because we will be traveling through two completely different ecosystems. It is one of the things that makes the Incan Trail so beautiful and unique, in addition to the diverse archeological sites along the trail. This portion of the journey is the longest compared to the previous days as we will travel 17 km. Since we will enter a national park our campsite this night will depend on the spot assigned by the park administration. Most likely it will either be in camp Phuyo Patamarca (3600 meters above sea level) or camp Winay Huayna (2550 meters above sea level).

Day 4

We will start hiking at 5:30 AM and this will be the last leg of the journey as we will travel only 7 km finally arriving at our anxiously awaited destination – Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. By mid-morning we will be in the ruins and exploring the many diverse sectors within this archeological monument. Afterwards we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy lunch, then board a train that will take us back to the Sacred Valley and from their take a bus back to the City of Cusco.

Departure

Cusco

Departure Time

At 7:00 AM, according to your schedule

Return Time

At 9:00 PM, according to your schedule

Included

Tourist Transportation the first and final day to the Sacred Valley
Professional Tour Guide Service
Ticket to enter the National Park of Machu Picchu (this includes the Incan Trail and the archeological site of Machu Picchu)
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
A tent for camping (one for each two people)
Camping Mats
Team of extra hikers to transport tents, food, and other camping equipment
Preparation of included meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
First Aid Kit and small oxygen tank
Vegetarian Options available (at no additional charge)

Not Included

First breakfast and final lunch and dinner on the 4^th day
Entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountains or the Old Mountain
Additional drinks for the journey
Tips
Sleeping bags (it is possible to rent one at a travel agency)
Hiking Poles (it is possible to rent these at a travel agency)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dry Season (recommended as the best time to travel): this is the period within the months of April to October. The days are generally sunny with a small chance of rain.
Wet Season (recommended as a good time to travel): this period is within the months of November to May. There is more probability of rain, however, the landscape and countryside are lush and green.
February: for the majority of this month access to the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, but the archeological site of Machu Picchu remains open with other options to travel to the site.