DAY 1: ACCLIMATIZATION AND EXPLORE CUSCO BEFORE THE PRIVATE INCA TRAIL:
Welcome to Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, and a natural starting point for any Peru itinerary. We’ll meet you at 1 pm for a traditional Peruvian meal at a local favorite restaurant. In the afternoon your guide will lead a relaxed walking tour around Cusco’s stunning historic center – it’s important to take it easy if you’ve arrived from sea level today, as you need to adjust to Cusco’s 3,400m (11,200 feet) altitude.
- Meals: lunch included.
- Accommodation: comfortable hotel Cusco.
DAY 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SACRED VALLEY:
A tour guide from Peru cultural connection will pick you up from your hotel in a private van to show you the incredible scenic floodplain between Pisaq and Ollantaytambo in the sacred valley Pisaq is a cobbled Inca village that is home to the largest handicraft market in the region and a huge Inca fortress, we will visit both. Urubamba River is the main river in this valley also is affluent to the Amazon River. Our destination is Ollantaytambo probably the most perfectly preserved of all Inca towns, a maze of cobbled alleyways and sun-drenched plazas presided over by a spectacular, llama-shaped ruin.
Meals: breakfast – lunch included Accommodation: comfortable hotel Cusco or Sacred Valley
DAY 3: PRIVATE INCA TRAIL START:
We’ll pick you up from your hotel, in a shuttle to head toward KM 82 (2,650 masl / 8,694 ft.), the starting point of our hike, it is important to present our ORIGINAL ID for control of the Inca trail. On this day, we’ll see the archaeological complex of Patallaqta, dry forests, the archaeological site of Willkaracay. Ending our walk in the community of Huayllabamba, our 1st camp (3,100 masl / 10,170 ft.).
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,750 m/ 9,020 ft
- Distance to walk: 14 km/ 8.7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU:
After breakfast, we’ll start to climb; this is one of the most difficult days of the Private Inca Trail. Walk uphill to the Pass Warmiwañuska at (4,250 masl / 13,828 ft.), where we will see the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, then we’ll descend to the 2nd camp of Pacaymayu at (3,600 masl / 11,811 ft.).
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4215 m/ 13,825 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
- 16 km/ 10 miles: 8-9 hours
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
- Area: the Andes and Cloud Forest
- Difficulty: Challenging
DAY 5: PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA:
this is the longest day of the Inca Trail, but the most beautiful. We’ll observe the different ecological levels of the highlands of the place, the cloud forests and rain forests as well as all tourist sites like Runkurakay at (3,760 masl / 12,335 ft.), we’ll continue up to the second pass at (3,900 masl / 12,795 ft.), where we will have a short rest and then descend to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca at (3,625 masl / 11,893 ft.). Then, we’ll head to Phuyupatamarka at (3,600 masl / 11,811ft.), resting place to take some pictures of the mountains. Continuing on the steps, we will take a path that leads down to our last camp Wiñaywayna.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3600 m/ 11,808 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
- Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Area: High Cloud Forest
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 6: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU:
Early in the morning, we will have our breakfast. Then, we’re gonna pass the control/checkpoint of Wiñaywayna where we will be controlled our entrance ticket and then walk to the “Sun Gate”, known as “Inti Punku” (2,720 masl / 8,923 ft.). To get the first glance of Machu Picchu. Leaving our backpacks in storage at Machu Picchu’s control, we will have free time. Then, we’ll get back to Machu Picchu to have a 2-hour guided tour, about then, we’ll have free time to visit and enjoy the place on our own. We will take the bus to go down to the town of “Aguas Calientes”, to return by train to Ollantaytambo and then transport to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2700 m/ 8856 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,430 m/ 7,972 ft
- Distance to walk: 6 km/ 3.73 miles
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
DAY 7: FREE MORNING AND THEN TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT:
You can book your flight out of Cusco for any time today. If you’re staying on in Peru, we’re delighted to help out with suggestions and assistance for the rest of your time here
Meals: Breakfast included
PRICE
PERU CULTURAL CONNECTION requires at least 2 people for this tour, but you can leave any day you would like. The departure is 100% guaranteed once booked.
The price is based on the group size. If you are with a larger group, please contact us for a discounted rate.
NOTE: PERU CULTURAL CONNECTION will never pass you onto another operator or share service with other companies as most agencies do here.
1.- What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Classic Inca Trail is the original path used by the ancient inhabitants belonging to the Inca culture, these are a set of road networks or paths that connect 2 distant points, in this sense the Classic Inca Trail is the traditional way to reach Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Taking into account that the Spaniards did not know this path, the archeological centers that are located on the way were kept almost intact so we can enjoy the visit to these in a more surreal way. We will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and besides having a pleasant coexistence with a group of local people who will help us with our camping equipment, we will share with them our learning, eating and resting spaces.
2.- How long does it take to do the Inca Trail and alternative tours?
The experience of the Traditional Inca Trail has a complete duration of 4 days in which we will enjoy the best landscapes with our support group. On the other hand, if we want to live a similar experience but we don’t have enough time, we have the option of the Short Inca Trail that has a duration of 2 days and allows us to visit the last point of the Traditional Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu finally.
Another of the alternative options that is the most similar is the option of Salkantay which is a 5 day hike where we will have a challenge of different microclimates starting at the base of the snow-capped mountain that has the same name, there is also the mixture of adventure and nature that gives us the option of the Inca Jungle that lasts 4 days where we enjoy the adrenaline of a stretch by bike and another of walking.
Finally, if what we are looking for is a different adventure, the best option is the Choquequirao experience that lasts 4 days where we will enjoy the beautiful views of the Apurimac Valley and finally arrive at the place known as the sister of Machu Picchu.
It is important to check availability before deciding on the experience you want to do, do it yourself or consult with our advisors.
3.- Is the Inca Trail a very difficult or dangerous experience?
It is normal to have this doubt when facing a 4 day experience and the answer is that it is considered one of the most demanding experiences due to the type of terrain that it presents, since it takes place between mountains and not in flat places where we are used to walking and also because of the duration that it has, it is not considered a dangerous tour since the trail is generally well signposted and it always has the support of your tour guide who is a professional with years of experience. It is important to follow the rules and not want to go or pass by places that are not allowed because you could have an accident; remember that this tour is part of our vacation, so it is better to be cautious and careful.
4.- Do I need to prepare physically for the Inca Trail?
Yes, it is very important and indispensable that all the participants of this experience have a notion and preparation of physical activity before the Inca Trail Tour so that you can enjoy the tour without any problem; because the geography that it has is varied between climbs, steps, descents and slopes for which if you are in bad physical condition you will not have much resistance and the adventure will NOT be pleasant besides having complications on the way. It is advisable to perform a routine of exercises even weeks before the trip, the main thing is to strengthen your legs because the walk is extensive and prolonged daily, it is also advisable to take 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco before starting this experience of Inca Trail.
5.- Will I be affected by altitude sickness?
The altitude sickness is not something that directly affects all people, there are those who only present a mild discomfort such as headache and others on the contrary have all the discomforts and require a more complete attention however in many ways this is a psychological discomfort although it is not possible to know if a traveler will get sick or not so the abundant hydration and the excitement of your visit to Cusco will be enough to appease the discomforts that present. Although the main thing in this case will also be the acclimatization in the city for 1 or 2 days, avoid the consumption of alcohol and above all take advantage of the coca tea which is a natural stimulant but not in excess at night so you can rest better. On the other hand the consumption of medicines should be only the staff that is administered by your doctor, buying it sporadically in an apothecary is not recommended.
Tour Packing Check LIST
During this trip your main luggage will be stored in Cusco at your hotel or free storage in our office and you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing (which will be help briefing day before you start the trek) to pack clothes and sleeping bag
Gear Checklist
Provided Gear
- Tents
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
- Duffel bag, medium-size (used while trekking, approximately 65 liter)
Official Papers
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
Luggage
- Luggage, one piece, wheels and handle ok
- Daypack 2000 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money pouch
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 10°-20°F)
CHECK LIST FOR YOU TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
PASSPORT: You MUST take your passport and a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain).
City Clothing
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear when not trekking
Clothing
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Casual socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks, synthetic
- Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Outerwear
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable. Side-zip pants are highly recommended.
- Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
- Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear for use in town and/or campsites
Travel Accessories
- 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and small towel
- Baby wipes
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
Optional Field Gear
- Camera, spare media card and batteries
- Electrical adapter plug
- Earplugs
- Whistle
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Hiking stick or trekking poles (metal tips not allowed on Inca Trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape.)
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks.
