Inca TRail TO MACHU PICCHU

Program: 4 days - 3 nights

Day 1º: Cusco – Wayllabamba

4:00 am, you will be picked up from your hostel and afterwards we will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately 2 hours we will pass Ollantaytambo Village, and then we will take a dirt road till Piskacuchu (2700 m) a community located on the kilometer 82 of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad.
7:30 am. At this point all hikers must show their original passport so that they may enter the National Park towards Machupicchu. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River, which flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we reach the little community of Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l), where we make a little break and try some local chicha from the Andean ladies sitting along the way, and then ascend a steep path that will lead us to a high plateau, from where, all hikers will be rewarded with a spectacular view of an Inca construction called Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l). After a good explanation of our tour guide, we carry on along a gorgeous valley created long ago by the copious Kusichaca River. We will gradually climb for about two hours, till we reach a nice natural spot where our cook and porters await for us to have lunch. Later on, we will walk up hill (not very difficult) for about 2 hours till we reach our first campsite in the village of Wayllabamba ("Place of Good Pasture"), (3000 m.a.s.l). This day is usually hot in the dry season (May – Sept), so it is advisable to wear light clothing, as well as a hut and sunscreen. Hikers will enjoy along the route spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, and might also spot the impressive Veronica Mountain (5832 meters above sea level). Overnight in Wayllabamba Campsite.

Day 2º: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo 

We will be woken up by our humble friends (the porters) at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we start to climb up along a narrow valley full of vegetation and beautiful streams. On this section visitors will experience a hard path, full of steps, so we advise you to take it easy and stop to rest along the way at any time you wish. Later on we will reach Lluluchapampa Village, a spot frequently used by some other hikers to camp. At this point we will be starting the climbing to the highest and most famous mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass 4200 m.). It will take about 2 hours to get to the top, so my recommendation is just to do it slowly, without pushing yourself too much. Usually our tour guide will be with us till the end, so even if you got delayed, don’t worry, the group usually waits for you at the top of the Pass. It is a great idea to carry on this day some chocolates, candies and coca leaves on your day backpack; this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness.
After you have conquered the highest pass, we will descend an endless winding pass of steps that cross a narrow valley, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds, like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We will have lunch along the way, and afterwards continue till our campsite at Pacaymayo Valley (3600), where we will take a deep rest after such a hard day. This is also an official campsite, so here you for sure will be able to find good showers (very cold) and proper flash toilettes.

Day 3º: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna

For many visitors, this day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting day, due to the number of archaeological sites that hikers can see along the way. We get up at 6:00 am, again, and after breakfast, start off following a steep path that will lead us to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970 m.a.s. l). Half way up, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay. This site, located at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure (Runkurakay means in quechua language “egg” hence it name) it is very likely that this Inca building served as a watchtower. Some meters before the Runkurakay Pass, we will pass a small billabong, where sometimes Andean dears can be seen drinking water. After going over the pass, we descend to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and arrive at Sayacmarca (erected building 3624 m.a.s.l). This is an interesting Inca building in which you can find semicircular constructions, water fountains, as well as irrigation channels. After visiting this ruins, we enter the cloud-forest, walking up and down, and then comes the last climb, that will lead us to the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 m.a.s.l) From now on, the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. We will descend some steps, then will stumble upon one of the best Inca ruins on the Inca Trail Phuyupatamarca. (Phuyupatamarca, means ¨town over the clouds¨). From above, trekkers can observe a sophisticated complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River.
The end of the day leads us to Wiñaywayna, second only to Machu Picchu in beauty. This fantastic site is a perfect example of Inca terrace farming, and is located on a steep edge overlooking the Río Urubamba. The name Wiñaywayna comes from the name given to a beautiful orquid typical in the zone, and means FOREVER YOUNG. We will spend the night in the camping zone, close to a big restaurant where trekkers usually may enjoy a hot shower after these long days, as well as cold beers and party in the evening. This will be the night in which we will say good bye to our porters and cooks, as the next day they will departure very early to catch the local train that will take them back to their town.

Day 4º: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu 

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am, have breakfast at 4:30 am, and by 5:00 am, we must be on the trail towards Inti Punko (Sun Gate). This will take about an hour of hiking along a narrow trail of cloud forest. At the Sun Gate visitors will be able to see the Sunrise over the Sacred Machupicchu Mountain. After having shot some photos we will descend to Machupicchu (1 hour away), where our guide will give us a nice explanation about this wonderful Inca Citadel. The tour will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to wander the ruins on your own, and if you still got some strength, you might climb the HUAYNA PICCHU Mountain, the huge mountain that appears in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about 90 minutes to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. All what you have to do is ask your guide how to find the entrance. At the entrance you must registered. Apart of this hike, you may also take the optional flat trail that leads to the TEMPLE OF THE MOON, a wonderful Inca construction in two caves, one above the other, with superb Inca niches inside. This hike will take more than 2 hours round trip, so check if there is enough time available. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you wish, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village of Aguas Calientes, visitors may ask their local guide how to get there. From here we take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.

End of the excursion.

Included:

• Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Train Station.
• Private Bus transportation till KM 82 (starting point of the trail)
• Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• English speaking professional guide.
• Large Tents with capacity for 02 persons (specially designed to allow higher comfort and safe keeping of backpacks + 01 mattress per person.
• Meals (04 B – 03 L - 03 D)
• Porters to carry tents, food supply and cooking equipment.
• Tents for our guides, cook and porters.
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus tickets from the ruins of Machu Picchu down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
• Backpacker Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco .
• Transfer to your hotel upon your arrival.

Not included:

• Lunch and dinner on the last day.
• Entrance fees to the thermal pools of Aguas Calientes
• Tips.

You need to bring:

• Your original passport, which must be shown at the entrance and if you wish you can have it stamped at the end of the trek at Machu Picchu's main gate)
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets. (boiled water is available at the campsites if ask for it to the cook. In order to avoid coldness you may fill your plastic bottle with hot water every night, before going to sleep and use it as a heater on your feet, and the next day, when is already cold, you can drink it.)
• A backpack with a change of clothes for 04 days.
• Rain jacket (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco, as well as at the Km 82)
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries wear-out more quickly in the cold weather)
• Strong footwear.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
• Insect repellent, toilet paper, small towel & sun block.

Additional information:

• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.
• This excursion is available all year round, except in February. In case you want to book this tour, please just send us an e-mail. We will reply within the next 24 hours

Travel Voucher:

• For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher for presentation at our office in Cusco.
• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.

Local Operator Information:

• We will send you a complete operator information, including phone numbers at your destination in Cusco.
• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Accommodation in Cusco:

• In order to meet you easily in the city of Cusco, we might book also a hotel or hostel room for you depending on your budget. We have especial deals with hotels and hostel in Cusco. Do not hesitate in asking.

How to book this tour....

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