In this route, we will follow the original footprint of the Incas toward Machu Picchu Sanctuary, this path keeps the mystery of our ancestors and shows the great road development that the Incas had to integrate a Great Empire, through these four days we will be part of the Andean world and we will have the opportunity to walk along the route visiting the different archaeological groups and enjoying the environment and the different ecosystems.
Day 1:
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to Ollantaytambo, where you will have time to do some last-minute shopping before starting your trek. You will then head to Piscacucho community, at Km. 82, where you will find the starting point of your excursion. You will take the course and walk about 3 hours along the Urubamba River, enjoying unparalleled landscapes and beautiful wildlife along the route. You will arrive to Willca Racay at the archaeological complex of Llaqtapata, where you will have some time to enjoy and appreciate the ruins, then have lunch and rest before continuing with your walk. You will resume the journey to ascend to the community of Huayllabamba, where the camp will be established.
Day 2:
After a healthy breakfast, you will begin to ascend towards the first and highest pass of the Warmiwañusca route (4215 m.a.s.l.), from where you will have a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. This ascent will take you almost all morning, arriving at Lllulluchapata at lunchtime. After having time to rest and eat, you will continue your walk to Pacaymayo, where the camp will be set up at 3600 masl, basically the most challenging day of the walk.
Day 3:
Your third day of trekking will begin with an ascent to the second step, Runcuracay, which is a little lower than the first one (4000 m.a.s.l.). Then, you will descend for a couple of hours to Phuyupatamarca, where you can rest and have lunch surrounded by the beauty of the place. At the end of your lunch, you will continue your journey to Wiñaywayna, enjoying the view of the snowy mountains and the valley as you go. Finally, you will arrive at the area where you will camp, this day is the longest of the entire walk, passing trough cloud forests and visitng few archeological sites built by The Incas.
Day 4:
Your last day will also start very early and with an energetic breakfast. The journey will start towards Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, from where you will have an impressive view of Machu Picchu. You will walk a little more and you will find yourself inside Machu Picchu, where -after a short break- your guide will explain the history, organization and mysteries of the place. At the end of the almost 2-hour guided tour of the citadel, you will board the bus that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have the option of walking around town or having lunch, as you prefer. Then, you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo station, from where you will be taken back to your hotel.
Your package includes:
- Briefing lecture before the tour.
- A licensed, well-trained, English-speaking guide.
- Camping Equipment.
- Full board except lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail.
- Train - the Vistadome.
- Bus transportation from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Permit fees to the Inca trail.
Not included: meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, laundry service, additional tours, insurance, sleeping bags, hiking boots, and other personal gear.
Recommendations:
- Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before the start of the trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
- Do some exercise before you go.
- Altitude at the Inca Trail: Minimum 2430m/Maximum 4200m.
- Keep hydrated. Drink Plenty of water that also helps to acclimatize to the altitude.
- The paving on the trail is irregular. Please be careful with your steps.
Please note, in total, passengers will walk around 45 kilometers for the Inca Trail.
Weather:
The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November (the best time for this amazing trek); the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, in the forested fringes of the Amazon basin where Machu Picchu lies, showers are not uncommon at any time of year. Therefore rain pants and jacket are essential gear that should always be in your daypack
Upon boarding the train, an ID (identification) and the train ticket will be required. A photocopy of the passport or other ID is accepted. If the passengers will overnight in the Machu Picchu area, they must take the original passport or ID, along with the Andean Immigration Card, so that the hotel may exonerate the sales tax of the overnight. The Andean Immigration Card is handed by the plane crew upon arrival in Peru. Only carry on or backpacks will be allowed with the following characteristics: Not more than 11 pounds,not more than 62 inches (157 centimeters) (height+length+width). Backpacks or Carry On will go with the passenger, and by no means should block the access gates or the corridors.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a possibility that the trek will not operate due to climatological circumstances.