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INKA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 4D/3N
The Inca Trail in Peru is considered to be one of top ten hikes in the world due the mixture of scenic and archaeological beauty along the 43Km (27miles) towards Machu Picchu. The trail itself winds through a combination of high altitude mountain ranges and dense subtropical forest. It is a personal challenge for the days of arduous journey, so it requires that you be in relatively good physical condition.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
In the morning we will pick you up at your hotel and we will drive via private transport to Km82, start point of the Inca trail. The first two hours of our hike is through on broad path that crosses the valley plains before we begin the ascent to Huillca Raccay view point (9570 ft / 2900 m). From here we can see the confluence of two river valleys (Urubamba and Cusichaca) and a very impressive view of the Inca archaeological site of Patallacta (9240 ft / 2800 m) between the two of them. Next we walk down to the valley of the river Cusichaca and continue for two more hours to the small village of Wayllabamba (9900 ft / 3000 m) to our camp.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
Our day starts with a climb of about three hours along a steep path which gradually turns from a rigorous to beautiful due the change in landscape as we gain altitude. The road passes through the cloud forest as we climb the stone stairs to Llulluchapampa (12210 ft / 3700 m) a small meadow that is used as a rest stop. After a brief stop we walk for one and half hours to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) which is the highest mountain pass along the Inca trail (13860 ft / 4200 m). From here we can see Pacaymayo river valley, and spectacular views of snow-capped mountains if the weather permits. Next we hike downhill for about an hour and a half to our campsite at Pacaymayo (11880 ft / 3600 m).
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest of our journey to Machu Picchu, as well as the most beautiful due the changes in altitude, vegetation and visits to many Inca ruins. As usual the day begins uphill for two hours to the second mountain pass called Runkuracay (13100 ft / 3970 m). En route, we will visit the Inka site of Runkuracay (12540 ft / 3800 m). After resting at the pass and enjoying the breathtaking views, we will descend for one hour to the Inca archaeological site of Sayacmarca (11963 ft / 3625 m). Next we climb for two hours towards the third mountain pass called Phuyupatamarca (12210 ft / 3700 m) passing through the cliffs overlooking the valleys of the Urubamba river and Aobamba. Along the way we can admire vegetation of the cloud forest including orchids, humid mosses on the trees, ferns, flowers and a tunnel carved in a natural rock formation. On the way we will visit the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca and then descend more than three thousand stairs for about two hours to our camp at Wiñaywayna (8910 ft / 2700 m). Here we find the nicest Inca city along the trail called Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) only five minutes away.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
Today we arrive to our destination. The day starts very early in the morning, we walk for two hours to reach Machu Picchu around eight in the morning. The trail goes across the forested Machu Picchu mountain to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) from where we will see for the first time this wonderful city.
If we arrive at the gate and the sky is overcast, do not get disappointed because the traditional picture of Machu Picchu is taken from the guard house which is located in the same city below.
Upon arrival we will go to the control point. We will then have a complete tour in Machu Picchu with our Inca trail guide. After the tour you will have free time to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own before we take the bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes. From here we will catch our train to Ollantaytambo town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where a bus will be waiting to transport us to Cusco.
The Inca trail 4d/3n program includes:
- A licensed professional English speaking tour guide, who will visit you at the hotel to give you a pre-departure briefing
- Duffle bag during the whole period of the trail to take all your personal belongings, with a maximum weight of 10 kilos per person
- Hotel pick-up and transfer via private transport to Km82
- Entrance ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
- A spacious two person, four season tent, we use The North Face or Hard Wear Mountain Equipment tents
- An inflatable mattress and a pillow per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, cooking tent and toilette tent, which will be used only in places where there are not flush toilets
- A chef and assistant chef to cook healthy and hearty meals during the whole itinerary with fresh ingredients
- Porters, to carry the camping equipment, cooking equipment, food and client’s duffle bags
- Accommodation for our porters
- Meals (03 breakfast, 03 lunch, 03 dinner)
- Snacks, everyday after breakfast
- Boiled cool drinking water during the whole itinerary (morning, afternoon, night)
- First Aid Medical Kit and Emergency Oxygen Tank
- One way bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town (day 04)
- Vistadome service train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo station
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco
The Inca trail 4d/3n program does not include:
- Sleeping bag during the whole itinerary (can be rented locally)
- Tips
- All that is not specified in what the program includes
We recommend bringing:
- Thermal clothing, it turns very cold after nightfall all year round
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots (water proof)
- Sandals or slippers, to walk more comfortably at the camps sites
- Hat for cold and Cap for the sun/rain
- Sleeping bag
- Convertible pants or zipoff pants
- Long johns
- Sun glasses
- A towel
- Swim suit, you may want to go to the hot spring in Aguas Calientes town
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Snacks, we recommend to bring power bars
- Original passport, which will be used the first day at the check point before going on the Inca trail and to board the trains
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera with extra batteries, batteries lose charge easily in cold weather conditions
- Reusable Water Bottle, one you can use throughout the journey, to avoid plastic bottles and unnecessary waste
- Cash - Peruvian Soles or US Dollars
- Walking poles that will allow you to walk with the body upright and to avoid exerting pressure on your knees when going downhill
| Pacha tours & trips E.I.R.L. | |
| Private and Custom Made Travel to Peru and Southamerica | |
| Avenida Tacna # 230, office 303 (third floor), Wanchaq | |
| Cusco - Peru | |
| Phone: | +51 84 237289 |
| Cel Phone: | +51 84 984769540 (24 hours) |
| Email: | info@pachatoursperu.com |
Pacha tours & trips EIRL, Travel Agency and Tour Operator, Cusco - Peru . Copy Right 2008 - Tailor made travel to Peru