General Information
Inca Trail important notes about our service
Difficulty of the Inca Trail:
Moderate to Challenging
Inca Trail bookings:
**We exclude any responsability for a NO entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.
Therefore the spaces booked provided will be guaranteed only if:
Since Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passenger 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 have also available alternative routes of equally awesome beauty and interest to offer you.
Packinglist
Optional items to take:
We recommend an inlay for the use of your sleeping bags. You can´t buy inlays in Peru. The sleeping bags are washed after every use, but using the inlay we can guaranty a higher hygiene and we can keep the sleeping bags in good condition. Thank you for your comprehension.
Lodging
During this 4 days and 3 nights Inca Trail you will make camp. We recommend an inlay for the use of your sleeping bags. You can´t buy inlays in Peru. The sleeping bags are washed after every use, but using the inlay we can garantuee a higher hygiene and we can keep the sleeping bags in good condition. The tents are for 2 persons if you would like to stay in a single tent, please let us know in advanced by booking.
Our transport will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piska Cucho, a community located on the 82nd kilometer on the route to Machu Picchu, 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: then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of llactapata. We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusicacha River, gradually climbing about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba, where we set our first camp.
Distance: 12km
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude: 3000 meters
Meals included: lunch and dinner
Overnight: camp
After breakfast we begin our most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that streches for 9 km. We go the steep-sided llullucha valley up and past a rushing stream and trough enchanted native polylepis woodland. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmi Wañusca. Here we take the trail to the level of the forested Pacaymayo valley, where we make camp.
Distance: 11km
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude: 4.200 meters
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: camp
This is the longest but most impressive day because of the archeological sites and the rich Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we go to the second pass ¨Abra Runkurakay¨. When we arrive to Sayacmarca, we will find a beautiful semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels. We go through a natural tunnel to arrive later to Phuyupatamarca. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and is located on the highest top of a mountain. Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. We continue our trek down to Wiñay Wayna, campsite. This is an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector and also this is the place where we will make camp.
Distance: 16km
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 3.900 meters
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: camp
We get up very early in order to leave Wiñay Wayna and then arrive to the Sun Gate. From Inti Punku, we can see Machu Picchu and later begins a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will takes us approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then you will have free time to explore this mysterious city yourself. In the afternoon you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes in order to catch the train back to Cusco. Arriving back in Olllantaytambo or Poroy train station, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel.
Distance: 16km
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 3.900 meters
Meals included: breakfast