A spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp.
Day 02 Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We climb the steep-sided Llullucha valley past a rushing stream and through enchanted native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft). Here we encounter spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass, and look back to the sweeping snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif.
The trail to the floor of the forested Pacaymayo valley, where we make camp.
Day 03 Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna
We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).
Pausing to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spillins down the mountainside here, we begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to our camp by the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites.
Day 04 Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu - Cusco
An early morning hike takes us across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.
We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the early afternoon a bus takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where we board our return train to Cusco.
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DETAILS OF TOUR
Trip type
High altitude walking / moderate grading.
Recommended season
March to December.
Good for
Minded travelers interested in archaeology, ancient history, traditional Andean cultures, spectacular scenery, flora and fauna.
Group size
Small group. Average 4.5 passengers per departure.
Departures
Every Monday and Friday.
Bookings
Must be done 4 o 5 months in advanced due high demand.
INCLUSIONS OF CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TOUR
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Normal inclusions
Orientation meeting (1 or 2 day before departure).
Private transportation to the start of the trek.
Inca trail entrance fee.
Expert and professional English speaking guide.
Porters who carry the camping gear.
Kitchen crew and commissary gear.
Drinking water through out the trek.
First aid kit and oxygen.
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes train station.
Transfer from the train station to your Hotel in Cusco.
Cusco Hotel extras INCLUDED:
Fairly treated and well paid porters who carry the bags and you only carry a daypack.
Trained cook preparing nutritious and delicious meals including Andean products. (Vegetarian options available).
Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Orient Express restaurant at the end of the trek (day 4).
High quality four seasons tents (The North Face).
Sleeping bags (North Face).
Sleeping mattress (Therma rest).
Hot water in the morning for washing.
Chemical bath.
Biodegradable soap.
Train ticket to Cusco (VISTADOME).
NOT INCLUDED:
Meals in the cities.
Alcoholic beverages.
Extras.
Tips.
Taxes.
Laundry service.
Additional tours.
Insurance and airline tickets (where applicable).
Hiking boots and,
Other personal gear or items.
WE RECOMMEND:
A backpack.
Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended).
Rain suit or long poncho (100 % waterproof - test before you leave home).
