The
Classic Inca Trail makes its way through the high Andean mountains, sculpting the rock in a fantastic sample of the high degree achieved by the Inca engineering. It is a Royal road since it was used by the Inca and his court to reach the sacred city of
Machu Picchu; for that reason important Inca archaeological remains are observed along the way.
| Duration |
4 days and 3 night |
| Season |
From January to December except February for maintenance |
| Departure |
Daily |
| Return |
Expedition Train |
| Importarnt |
VERY IMPORTANT BOOK EARLY YOUR INCA TRAIL PERMITS FOR 2024-2025
Please you must keep in mind that Classic Inca Trail permits are limited to just 500 persons per day, and this includes all the staff such as tour guides, porters, and cooks. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this amazing inca road and unlike many excursions in the world where, or is the walk or is the destination; know that the Inca Trail is considered among the 5 best walks in the world and takes you to one of the best destinations in the world, Machu Picchu Peru. But you will also find incredible Inca and pre – Inca places along the way, and these can only be seen walking the Inca Trail, this is why it is highly recommended to book this incredible tour in advance.More information: Inca Trail vs Salkantay Hike |
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Patallaqta – Wayllabamba
Let’s start the adventure!!!!
To start this incredible venture, we wil pick you up very early at morning from your hotel, around 5:30 am to 6:00 am.Please this is important: make sure you carry your original passport or ISIC card if you book like a student it is necessary to entry to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Then you will be received with an spectacular morning, driving through the Sacred Valley of the Incas that will takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 (Piskacucho). Along the way, we will stop in Ollantaytambo to stretch our legs, use the bathroom, and enjoy breakfast, before continuing to Piscacucho (2,680 m / 8,790 ft.). There we will meet our cook and the porters who will carry our belongings during the four days of the trek.This is the moment when you will have your passports in your hand; we will check the documents and give it to the first official at Inca Trail checkpoint,and finally we will start our adventure crossing a suspension bridge across the Urubamba River, and begin our trek with a gentle climb.
We will have three hours on relatively level terrain as we follow the course of the river, rewarded with superb views of snow mountain Veronica (5,750 m). The easy walk passes through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes. Then we will stop at Miskay where we will take our delicious and nutritive lunch, you will continue hiking towards the large Inca settlement of Llactapata and appreciate the impressive farming terraces of this complex. The Inca Trail follows the left bank of the Cusichaca side river up to the village of Huayllabamba at 9840 feet above sea level (3000 m.a.s.l) where you will enjoy dinner and camp for the night.
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Warmi Wañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) – Paqaymayu
Do you like challenges? So this day is for you!! Today is our challenging day; and we can do it, my friends!!!
We wake up early at 6:00 am, with a comforting hot coca tea brought to your tents, to prepare for today’s trek which is considered by many people, the hardest day of the Inca trail. You need to complete a steep ascent reaching an altitude of 13779 feet above sea level (4200 m.a.s.l) at Warmi Wañuska pass.
After our breakfast, we will depart from the campsite at around 07:00 hrs. The uphill hike through Llulluchapampa will give you the opportunity to appreciate several species of birds (if we are so lucky, we will see hummingbirds, Falcons or some black-chested eagles). From here the trail traverses beautiful cloud woodlands full of Polylepis or Queñua trees before entering the Puna, a zone characterized by treeless grasslands only found at this altitude across the Andes. Walk at your own pace, to catch your breath or to stretch a muscle. The last hard climb takes us the right to the highest pass of the Inca trail at Warmi Wañuska.
Once at the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes!!, and you can take some photos of the snow-covered peaks that surround the zone. You will also feel a great sense of accomplishment after conquering Dead Woman’s pass, continue traversing the slopes on the left side of the valley all the way to our campsite in Paqaymayu at 11811 feet above sea level (3600 m.a.s.l.)
Day 3: Paqaymayu – Runkuraqay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
And after the effort comes the calm you know , you did it!!
Today’s hike is very beautiful know why? because we will pass the ruins of Runkuraqay; Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna and we enjoy dramatic views of Aobamba Valley. We will start with a steady ascent to the second highest pass at Runkuracay reaching 12400 feet above sea level (3780 m.a.s.l) and passing through a circular Inca control point that occupies a commanding position overlooking the spectacular Vilcabamba mountain range below. Catch your breath, and the rest of the Inca trail is mostly downhill. Be careful with your knees as the descent from the pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca is very steep and you may feel the strain at the end of the day.
Once in Sayacmarca, you will enjoy the histery that your tour guide will explain. The name Sayacmarca means “inaccessible town” and describes the position of the site, awesome perched on the rocks. The one of a kind Inca trail, now a great structure of granite stones, continues through ever-changing layers of cloud forest full of rare orchids, hanging mosses, bromeliads, and tree ferns. Past the Inca tunnel, a gentle climb will take you to the third pass at 12139 feet above sea level (3700 m.a.s.l), offering incredible views of several snow-capped peaks including the most famous Salkantay (20574 ft./6271m) and Veronica (18865 ft./5750m).
Close to the pass you will find the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town) where you will feel in the clouds. A brief explanation of the mysteries of Inca architecture, before continuing along splendid Inca road to the important agricultural site of Intipata and go up to the third and our last campsite at Wiñayhuayna (forever young) located at 8856 feet above sea level (2700 m.a.s.l). Wiñayhuayna, named after a variety of pink orchid that grows here, is the last official campsite before our destiny the wonder Machu Picchu!!. Tea time and Dinner.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu
Ready?? Today is our big day!!!
We will get up very early around 4:00 am – to get to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), we say very early to be those luckies that will see Machu Picchu whit the first rays of the sun. To reach there, we will hike for about 1 or 2 hours, with significant upward stretches in the last half. You will be walking in darkness, so a headlight is strongly recommended. The trail is marked and takes about 1½ hours.
The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu. A final short hike will bring us to the entrance and into the heart of Machu Picchu itself, where we spend the rest of the morning with 2 hours guided tour and some more exploring on your own. The shuttle bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is included, departs every 15 minutes and will be available for you descend to Aguas Calientes town. Remember this is one of the best rewards for your effort during the 4 Day hiking Inca Trail, so enjoy full the most amazing adventure and feel all the energy of Machu Picchu!
Recomendations
- Original Passport
- A small backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
- Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
- Strong, comfortable footwear
- Sweater and jacket (something warm)
- Water bottle, ideally non-disposable canteen
- Flashlight and batteries
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sunblock (sun protection cream)
- Insect repellent, Toiletries, towel, and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars, etc.
- Camera, plenty of films and spare batteries, Cash in soles and US$
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek.
When to go?
The climate varies according to the months some with presence of rains, sunny days, cloudy days, cold nights; then we detail the Inca Trail Climate per month:
- In the months of January and March the rains are persistent, mostly at night, the days are cloudy but there are nice and sunny days, if we have good luck.
- In the month of April, the rainy season ends little by little, and the days get warmer and more pleasant, with sporadic rains.
- Between May and October, the climate is warm and cool, with little rain, sunny days and quite bright.
- The months of June, July, August and September are undoubtedly the best months to do the Inca Trail, during the day it is clear and you can clearly observe the landscapes, the days are fresher, however, the nights are cold in the high areas.
- During November and December, it is the time when the rainy season begins, the days are sunny, but at any moment it can rain, as well as, there are cloudy days without rain.
How long does the Inca Trail and alternative tours last?
The duration time is according to the tour you make; this is the Classic Inca Trail tour that lasts 4 days and 3 nights and reaches a maximum height of 4200 m.a.s.l; but you can find some other options as the Short Inca Trail Tour of 2 days and 1 night and you reach a maximum height of 2650 meters above sea level. We also have other alternative adventure tours to the Inca Trai like the trekking tour to Machu Picchu through the Salkantay mountain which lasts 5 days and 4 nights.
Is the Inca Trail a very difficult or dangerous tour?
The walk is not very common and it is slightly difficult since it is between mountains and not in flat places where we are used to walking, in the Inca Trail what is required so that it will not be so difficult or heavy is a good physical preparation before. From the trip; For example, one of the difficulties is having to climb and descend stone steps that are in the whole route. It is NOT a dangerous tour, but you should walk through the places assigned by the authorities and by the guide, remember that this tour is part of your vacation, so it is better to be warned and careful.
Do I need to prepare physically for the Inca Trail?
Yes, it is very convenient and essential to do physical activity before the Inca Trail Tour to enjoy everything of the tour; If you come to perform the walk in poor physical condition will not have much resistance and the adventure will not be pleasant. It is advisable to carry out an exercise routine even weeks before the trip, the main thing is to strengthen your legs since the walk is about 6 hours a day, you should make long walks in your city and you are recommended to have at least one day of acclimatization in Cusco before the start of your Inca Trail tour.
Can I do the Inca Trail by my own?
This is NOT possible, travelers who want to make this excursion must necessarily hire the services of a Travel Agency and be accompanied by guides that are authorized by the Regional Directorate of Culture of Cusco, our agency has the necessary authorizations and we can make the Inca Trail tours without inconvenience.
The walks are done in groups, there you can meet people of other nationalities and of different ages. Maximum 40 people are allowed in a group, of which 16 must be Travelers, Tourists and / or hikers, 2 guides at least and the others are support staff such as porters, cooks, etc. who make this great adventure possible
Can anyone make the excursion of the Inca Trail?
The Ministry of Culture has a well-stipulated regulation for this excursion and can only do so by hiring the services of a Travel Agency or Tour Operator. There are no restrictions regarding the age of the visitor but it is recommended to be at least 8 years old and you must hire the services of a carrier or muleteer to help you when necessary. So also the traveler must have a valid passport.
To be able to make the tour you must obtain a permit for this route, for this you must provide necessary personal information to your travel agency (full name, date of birth, passport number, date of passport expiration, nationality). When you book with us, your permit or space for the Inca Trail will be insured and you will only have to prepare yourself to enjoy this great adventure.
Note
Camp site allocations are subject to change depending on availability provided by the National Institute of Culture (government OFFICE IN CHARGE OF THE INCA TRAIL). The Government department assigns us to campsites People who want to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, must let us know as soon as they can because according to new rules, there is a limit of people (400) per day that can climb them.
