4-Day Inca Trail Trek – Classic (Group Service)
Description
The traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique experience and the most sought after in Latin America, even more so as it has been named one of the tenth most popular treks over the world, there is no similar trek for its ecological diversity and the fortune of its archaeological riches. Machu Picchu Inca sanctuary of covers 32,900 hectares and is home to an incredible network of Inca trails, a lot of archaeological sites, ecological zones (from peaks to glaciers to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds and more than 250 species of orchids, as well as the great Llaqta of Machu Picchu. See here the availability for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2023.
Difficulty: Moderate – Hard (we recommend good physical preparation).
Distance: 45 km/ 27 miles.
Type of Tour: Adventure – Archaeological – History – Culture.
Details
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco (optional).
Information about Inca Trail in our office; to be held the night before your hike at 5:00 pm.
Pick up from your hotel.
Private transport from Cusco to Piskacucho (KM 82).
Camping tents, (large and comfortable).
Foam Mattress.
Professional Tour Guides with experience in trekking.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs on request).
First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
Porters for carry camping tents, food and cooking equipment.
Warm water for washing.
Boiled water to refill your bottles.
Expedition tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport of the company to.
Cusco (in the private transport of the company).
Permission for the Classic Inca Trail and entrance to Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Private toilet tent with toilet seat, only for our group
An hour and a half-guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Dining tent, kitchen, camping tent, tables and chairs.
Cook and kitchen equipment.
Taxes.
Wayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD, Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD – must be booked in advance if you wish to add an additional trek. Please let us know at the time of booking.
First breakfast and the last lunch. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu tour.
VISTADOME Train service: $ 45 USD per additional person (RETURN ONLY).
Sleeping bag (can be rented from us for $25 USD).
Tips for staff (Eco Tour Cusco staff are paid a fair and decent wage (after our tour ends, tips are optional but very much appreciated).
It is required to carry
Original passport (the same one that you used to book your trek).
Valid university ID (if you booked as a student).
Good backpack (30L or 35L).
Water bottle: 2-3 L (Camelbaks recommended).
Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support.
Sleeping bag (can be rented at ECO TOUR CUSCO).
Toilet paper.
What to take in your duffle bag
We are straight tour operators, we provide you with a duffle bag at the briefing to Camino Inca you will be given more information about an additional porter, who will carry up to 7 kg. or 14 lbs, including your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress and additional clothing.
3 T-shirts.
2 hiking trousers.
4 pieces of underwear.
3 pairs of socks.
A Thermal Jacket.
A Warm clothing.
A Waterproof glove.
A comfortable shoes for the camp.
A solar battery charger if necessary.
Sleeping bag: must be at least minus 15°C. You can rent with us for $30 USD.
Toiletries
Facial moisturiser.
Hand disinfectant.
Wet wipes.
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Personal medication
Personal first aid kit.
What to carry in the 35L backpack
We recommend you to have a small 35 L day trekking backpack, in which you can carry the following things:
Sun hat.
Sunscreen.
Beanie or winter hat (wool hat).
Rainwear or rain jacket.
Snack such as chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dried fruit.
Coca leaves.
Plastic rain poncho.
Gloves.
Camera.
Itinerary
Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
At 5:30 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel in our adventurous bus to take you to the village of Ollantaytambo, where we will have breakfast and fill up with energy for the start of the Inca Trail (breakfast is not included).
On arrival at km. 82: At this point we will stop to prepare our trekking equipment, as well as to use the toilets, use sunscreen and mosquito repellent in case they become our friends, etc. At 5:30 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel in our adventurous bus to take you to the village of Ollantaytambo, where we will have breakfast and fill up with energy for the start of the Inca Trail (breakfast is not included).
On arrival at km. 82:At this point we will stop to prepare our trekking equipment, as well as to use the toilets, use sunscreen and mosquito repellent in case they become our friends, etc.
At the checkpoint:You will be asked to present your entry tickets, passports and student card (if it is applicable).
Beginning of the Inca trail, we will start the adventure with our group, during the walk we will appreciate the spectacular landscapes of the Andes, such as the snowy Veronica or W’akay Willca (inca name) (5,850m / 19,192 ft), this first day is relatively easy, where we will observe excellent views of the archaeological sites of (Willca Raccay), the monumental and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, we will pass by Wayllabamba (3000 m.a.s.l. / 9,842.52 ft.) place where we will have lunch on the banks of a small river and with an extraordinary view of the landscape. Our first campsite is in Ayapata (3300 m.a.s.l. / 10,826.77 ft.) an hour and a half after lunch. Night temperatures are around 5°C depending on the season so we must be prepared in advance.
You will be asked to present your entry tickets, passports and student card (if it is applicable).
Beginning of the Inca trail, we will start the adventure with our group, during the walk we will appreciate the spectacular landscapes of the Andes, such as the snowy Veronica or W’akay Willca (inca name) (5,850m / 19,192 ft), this first day is relatively easy, where we will observe excellent views of the archaeological sites of (Willca Raccay), the monumental and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, we will pass by Wayllabamba (3000 m.a.s.l. / 9,842.52 ft.) place where we will have lunch on the banks of a small river and with an extraordinary view of the landscape. Our first campsite is in Ayapata (3300 m.a.s.l. / 10,826.77 ft.) an hour and a half after lunch. Night temperatures are around 5°C depending on the season so we must be prepared in advance.
Summary for Day 1 – Inca Trail
Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 11 km approximately.
Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.
Ayapata – Warmi Wañuska – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha
This day will be challenging, because we will have a steep ascent to the highest peak “El Abra de Warmi wañuska” or the dead woman Pass at (4,200 m / 13,779.53 ft). This second day we get up very early at 5:00 am – 5:30 am. It is important to be physically prepared and full of energy. On this day, you will feel a real thrill of conquest when you reach the summit; after a well-deserved rest in the pass with an extraordinary view of the landscape, we will start the descent to our lunch spot, which is located in Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft).
After lunch, we continue our trek to the second pass of Runkurakay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), we will be able to see a great variety of hummingbirds and a variety of other bird species, there will be plenty of time to appreciate some of them, we will also have the spectacular view of Vilcabamba mountain range, an incredible variety of native plants like the Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the wonderful cloud forest (3,650 m / 11,975 ft). We arrive at our camp at 5:30 pm. Temperatures at this camp are around 4°C during the night.
Summary for Day 2 – Inca Trail
Difficulty: Strong (Challenge to overcome).
Distance: 15 km / 09 miles.
Walking Time: 8 – 9 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
Today will be a quiet day, we must be ready, we will have an extraordinary staging of nature.
We wake up and have a cup of tea into the tent, then breakfast at 6:00 am and start the hike with a gentle ascent to the archaeological site of “Phuyupatamarca” (“City above the clouds”). Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular.
The archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca is a 10 minute’s walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down more than 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the amazing archaeological site of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we reach our third camp Wiñayhuayna, (2,680 m / 8,792 ft).
Just a few steps from our campsite is the well-known archaeological site of “Wiñayhuayna” (Forever young). Even if you feel tired you can’t miss this archaeological site, we are sure you will be enchanted.
Today we will only walk 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at the camp at lunchtime. Overnight temperatures are around 12°C.
Summary for Day 3 – Inca Trail
Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 10 km / 6.5 miles.
Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the last day of our Inca Trail adventure, for this we will wake up early around 4:00 am, it is time to get up and have breakfast, then start our trek to Machu Picchu and be able to arrive on time at 6:00 am. to the Sun Gate (known as Inti Punku). From this point we will have a breath-taking view of the majestic Llaqta of Machu Picchu; it will be in front of us with its intense beauty an incredible sight for all to see. From this point, we start descending towards the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m / 7,872 ft), after walking 45 minutes we enter the citadel, passing by the so-called “House of the Guardians” which is at the top and from here we can take the best and famous photographic shots of the Machu Picchu Llaqta. From there, we head towards the checkpoint, where we check in and leave our belongings. The professional Guide will lead us through the amazing Inca city and its main streets. You can stroll through the city squares and climb the sculpted stone staircases. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual and religious centre of the Andean world. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site on your own.
You will also have time to enjoy some activities on your own, if you wish (not included in the price), these free activities are:
- Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the beauty and the magnificent Llaqta of Machu Picchu from the top. (request reservation together with the Inca Trail reservation and has an additional cost).
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or a visit to the thermal baths.
After the tour in Machu Picchu, we will go down by bus (included) to the village of Machu Picchu, also called Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (that is not included).
In the afternoon after 14:55 hrs we will return by Expedition or Voyager train, which will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Here our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Summary for Day 4 – Inca Trail
A very exciting day of achievement on arrival at Machu Picchu.
Area: High cloud and subtropical forest.
Climate: Varied.
The tour includes breakfast.
Make your reservation
Step 1:
Check availability for the date you wish to go to the Inca Trail in this link from the Peruvian government office or check with our team here.
Step 2:
Once the availability for your departure date has been confirmed, make your reservation by making a deposit of US$200 per person by clicking on the “Book Now!” button.
Important Information
- Only 500 people per day are allowed to start this trek (including guides and porters), so we recommend that you make your reservation at least 7 months in advance. If the Inca Trail is already booked for your chosen dates, we offer alternative treks – check them out!
- It is imperative that for entry into The Inca Trail that you have your original passport with you.
- If you have received a Student Discount, you must also have your original Student Card.
- If you have renewed or changed your passport (or name) after your original reservation with us, it is imperative that you send us your new passport number/name and bring a copy of your old passport (or even better, the original) as well as the original new passport to be sure they will admit you onto The Inca Trail.
- You are responsable for carrying your own personal belongings, including your sleeping bag and mat. (If you prefer, it is optional that you may hire a porter to carry these ítems for US$110)
- To obtain a student discount, your student card must be current with your photo, issue date, expiration date, and have a security bar/magnetic strip. Please send us a photo of the card and have this card with you when you enter the Inca Trail.
- If you want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, we’ll need plenty of notice as this is extremely popular and permits are very limited. You should request the reservation at the same time as your reservation of the Inca Trail.
To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain
You must request this permit at the same time as your reservation for the Inca Trail. Huayna Picchu is the mountain within the Citadel of Machu Picchu – the one in all the classic photos. It is quite popular and it is also extraordinary to be able to climb it, requiring moderate physical effort, though it is very steep. From the top you will have an incredible view. It takes about 2 hours roundtrip. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.
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- Additional cost:
- $ 68.00 USD Adult
- $ 43.00 USD Student
To climb Machu Picchu Mountain
From the top you have an extraordinary view of the surrounding area. This climb is quite challenging and takes 4 hours roundtrip. Permits are limited.
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- Additional cost:
- $ 68.00 USD Adult
- $ 43.00 USD Student
Inca Trail Entry Requirements:
- To enter the Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture of Peru. This is acquired through a travel agency that has authorization. Eco Tour Cusco EIRL, is an authorized agency for the operation of the Inca Trail.
- The number of people who can enter the Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). To ensure your entry it is necessary that you make your reservation in advance. (up to 1 year in advance).
- To obtain the student discount, your student card must be current and have: your photo, date of issuance and expiration date, and have a security bar/magnetic strip.
- It is forbidden to uproot plants, build fires, or to bring alcohol or other drugs on the trek.
From: $780.00
Book Now:
*Place the number of people and select the date of travel to proceed with the purchase.