Special Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Patallaqta – Wayllabamba

Let’s start the adventure!!!!

Early, we will pick up from your hotel (around 5:30 am to 6:00 am) Please make sure that you are carrying your original passport & ISIC card if you book like a student, it is important to entry to Machu Picchu and the mountain that you choose.

You will enjoy a spectacular morning that starts driving through the Sacred Valley of the Incas taking us at our trailhead at Km. 82 (Piscacucho). Along the way, we will stop in the life inca city of  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 camp crew and our team of porters who will carry our belongings during the four days of the trek. Once in Piscacuchom, please you must have passports in hand;so we  will pass the first official Inca Trail checkpoint, cross a suspension bridge across the Urubamba River, and begin our trek with a gentle climb.

We have three hours on relatively level terrain as we follow the course of the river, rewarded with superb views of snow – Cape Mountain Veronica (5,750 m). The easy walk passes through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes.Miskay will be the lunch point,where you will have some time to rest and connect with nature, then we will continue hiking toward 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

Today is our challenging day; we can do it, my friends!!!
To start this challenge day,we will wake up 6:00 am, with a hot coca tea brought to your tents and to prevent the altitude sickness, 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 nutritive breakfast, we will depart the campsite around 07:00 hrs. The uphill hike through Llulluchapampa will give you the opportunity to appreciate several species of local birds  (with luck you may see hummingbirds, Falcons or some black-chested eagles).
From here the trail traverses a beautiful cloud forest full of Polylepis or Queñua’s 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 of Warmi Wañuska, your reward will be the spectacular views of the Andes,so have the camera ready!!! you will be surrounded by snow-covered peaks. 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.)
(About 6 – 7 hr. trekking).

Day 3: Paqaymayu – Runkuraqay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna

After a heartwarming breakfast…
Today’s is the most beautiful day because we will explore the ruins of Runkuraqay; Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winayhuayna and we enjoy dramatic views of the 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. Take note that not many arqueological remains have this form so thats whats makes it unique during the Inca Trail. Then you will enjoy a downhill but 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.

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 masl), offering incredible views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (20574 ft./6271m) and Veronica (18865 ft./5750m). Close to the pass you will find the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).Also you can take amazing photos here too, really it looks like you have been above the clouds!! A brief explanation of the mysteries of  this Inca architecture, before continuing along splendid Inca road to the most important agricultural site of Intipata and up to the third and our last campsite at Wiñayhuayna (forever young) located at 8856 feet above sea level (2700 masl). Wiñayhuayna, named after a variety of pink orchid that grows here, is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu

Today is our big day !!!

We will get up very early around 4:00 am to get one of the best experience for many travelers, entry to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate),why it is so spectacular?? From this point you will be that lucky who will enjoy a uniqueview of Machu Picchu whit the first rays of the sun. It will takes us about 1-2 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 the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, where we will 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.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Good Morning Machu Picchu!!!
After to relax in Aguas Calientes, we are going to have an amazing breakfast at our hotel around 4:30am; after to enjoyed our breakfast, we are going to the bus station to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu that is going to arrive about 15 minutes before that Machu Picchu would be open. In Machu Picchu, we are going to be one of the first groups to see the sunshine and to take pictures when nobody is there so prepare your camera!!. The views from this part of Machu Picchu are complete different that you seen before from the Sun Gate, After to enjoy there we are going to climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (the mountain that you choose), Huayna Picchu mountain trekking takes about 3 hours and a half up and down, from there you will have an impressive view of Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu Valley and also have the opportunity to explore the temple of the moon. On the other hand, we have Machu Picchu Mountain that is more for those natural lovers who will enjoy this little trek fullest. After you enjoyed there, we are going to take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Recommendations

• Original Passport
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Warm clothes, including a jacket. Also is recommended thermal clothing, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, films, and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, and cold
• Sunblock cream, mosquitoes repellent.
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Small towel.
• Swimming suit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles or US$

When to go?

To know when to visit the world wonder must take into account two aspects: the rainy season and the availability of the attractions you want to visit.

• The rainy season in the area is from November to March, reaching a maximum of 98 mm in February. This involves the use of rain ponchos and possible haze during your visit. In general, it is not considered the best time to travel.
• Regarding availability, the citadel is open 365 days a year, as are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. The routes of the Inca Trail, either the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days or the Short IncaTrail of 2 days, or the Special Inca Trail (5D/4N) close every year throughout the month of February for maintenance work.
• The best time to visit Machu Picchu through every alternative trek is June, July and August, remember the dry season goes from April – October.

Can I go during the rainy season?

While the rainy season is not the best season, it offers some advantages too. For example, you will be able to see the Peruvian wonder surrounded by a mystical mist or, with a bit of luck, crowned by a beautiful rainbow after a drizzle. What sounds good!!

However, if you decide to take the Inca Trail, the recommendation of us is to avoid taking it during the rainy season (from November to March). Do not forget that during February, the routes of the Inca Trail will be completely closed for maintenance.

The Temple of the Moon Huayna Picchu

If you decide to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain: This archaeological site has one of the most beautiful Inca constructions inside a cave, in which they perfectly joined together finely polished stones, not leaving a millimeter between their joints. This structure has beautiful vaulted caves and empty trapezoidal ones that were typical of the Inca constructions, in front of the cave, there is a stone sculpted in the shape of an altar that makes us suppose that this was a place for sacrifices.

Why Special Inca Trail?

This trek is the most famous of all, receives visitors from around the world every day. Includes 3 nights of camping in the mountainous heights, almost 50 kilometers of walking in total (which means a daily average of 12.5 km), reaching heights of up to 4,200 meters. You will also have guided tours to impressive Inca archaeological sites. The displacement happens crossing impressive Andean and jungle landscapes, until arriving at Machu Picchu for the respective tour. Recommended for those who want a total immersion in nature and away from urban life. And the best?? Special Inca Trail gives you the opportunity to climb one of the most amazing mountains that surround Machu picchu and have unique memories and photos of the wonder of the Incas.

• Trekking backpack.
• Warm clothing for the night.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Energy snacks.
• Proper hiking footwear.
• Hat or cap for sun protection.
• Camera.