Machu Picchu Inca Trail Trek

This trek gives you a glimpse into the lives of the communities living in the Andean highlands while trekking in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu. As well as the classic 4 day Inca Trail you will also visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this compact, fun filled Peru vacation. Even this short trip allows for some acclimatization before you start the hike; add more days if you wish to be even better prepared.

Inca Trail suggested packing list

Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco

Your tour starts after you arrive in Cusco this morning. You will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.  This all depends on your budget, we work with a whole range of hotels from simple but comfortable such as the Inkarri or the Pascana, to mid range such as the boutique hotel Casa San Blas and also for the luxury travellers among you we can offer the fabulous Monasterio Hotel, subject to space of course.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a Cusco city tour visiting the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Cusco cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire, the Coricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, plus some smaller outlying Inca sites around Cusco.

Day 2 - Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas

After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel to enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we will be visiting the Inca ruins of Pisac (if on a private tour), the Market at Pisac (on all tours), a great place to buy souvenirs and the lovely Inca site at Ollantaytambo. You will have an English-speaking guide all day and a great buffet lunch in Yucay included in the sunny valley. You will either then go back to Cusco or spend the night down in the valley to take advantage of a change of scene and more oxygen (as you are 800 meters lower than Cusco).

In the valley we have again a large range of accommodation options but the Casa Andina PC Valley and Sol y Luna are our particular favorites.

Day 3 - Inca Trail day 1

Starting early from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo depending on your preference) you will be transfered from your hotel to the trail head at KM 82 where you will begin walking. The trail begins by first crossing the river Vilcanota, then leads up to the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay. After 7 hours (13km) of hiking, with a good lunch en route we will make camp near the village Huayllabamba.

Day 4 - Inca Trail day 2

We will set off after a hearty breakfast and climb up from Huallabamba until we reach the meadow of Llulluchapampa at 3680 meters above sea level. After a quick tea break we head up the hardest but most lovely part of the hike to the Abra de Huarmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass). This is the highest point of the trail at 4200m. After celebration and relief of having completed this feat, there is a descent from the pass which is steep but not difficult! Once we reach the valley floor we will spend our second night camping at a place called Pacamayo.

Day 5 - Inca Trail day 3

Today we climb to the ruins of Runkuracay. From the ruins the view of the Pacamayo valley is spectacular and a feeling of accomplishment will help lessen the pain in the legs. From here we continue our trek thorugh the second pass of Runkuracay at 4000m. Now walking along a cobbled path we again begin a steep descent until we reach the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town). Before reaching the 3rd pass we walk through a lovely cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, flowers plus an Inca tunnel. The third pass is measured at 3700m, then as we descend you will see the most spectacular ruin so far; Phuyupatamarca (meaning Town in the Clouds). After this long day we will camp the night at Wiñay Wayna where you will have access to a luke warm shower and a bar!

Day 6 - Inca Trail day 4 Machu Picchu

Very early start today, actually while it is dark, so we can get to the Sun Gate for when it starts to get light to see Machu Picchu. Don't forget your flashlight. The trail today contours a mountainside and winds through the lovely cloud forest allowing us to witness the sunrise at the Sun Gate from where you will see the great ruins for the first time. Once we have reached Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour then you are free to wander the site taking photos. Finally we will make our way to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus and prepare for the train journey back to the Inca capital of Cusco. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a last night out.

Day 7- Cusco

Tour ends in Cusco after breakfast. It is easy to add more days and visits to your Peru vacation, just ask us for the options and costs.

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