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 reaching the highest pass over 4,215 m.a.s.l. where we have a beautiful view of the Sacred mountains of the Incas and then to descend through the Cloud Forest with wonderful biodiversity in flora and fauna like entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
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 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, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2
After a healthy breakfast, you will begin to ascend towards the first and highest pass of the Warmiwanusca 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. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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 visiting few archeological sites built by The Incas. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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, before going to your hotel.
Day 5
You will board the return train to Cuzco.
Note: Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicate
Your package includes:
- Briefing lecture before the tour.
- A licensed, well-trained, English-speaking guide.
- Spacious tents.
- Well-paid and well-treated porters and staff.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail.
- First Class train - the Vistadome.
- Bus transportation to/from Machu Picchu.
- Permit fees to the Inca trail.
- Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites.
- Hotel accommodation at Machu Picchu area.
Not included: meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, laundry service, additional tours, insurance, airline tickets, 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.
- The maximum kilogram per person: 15.43 pounds which you have to store in the provided duffle bag.
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.
On 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 5 kilos or 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.
This package is recommended from April to October, not recommended from November to March due to rainy seasons.