Places to visit:
Inca trail and Machupicchu
Duration:
4 Days / 3 Night
Difficulty:
High
General information:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical and unforgettable paths being considered within the ranking of the ten best trails in the world, where we can find along its more than 40 kilometers or 25 miles of impressive Inca remains, mountainous landscapes, cloud forests and a diverse flora and fauna. In addition to reaching one of the wonders of the world through one of the major engineering feats in the Andean world Machu Picchu.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CUSCO – KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA -YUNCACHIMPA
Our 1st day begins with the pick up from your hotel between the hours of 4:00am – 4:30am and we start our journey by bus until we reach km 82 in this place is the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail is also the beginning of our trek on this first day we will have lunch in the community of Miskay, we will pass the archaeological site of Patallacta and arriving at the end to Yuncachimpa (camping place). Total Hiking Time 5 – 6 hours approximately (12 km -7.456 miles.) Starting altitude 2,750masl -9,022 ft. Final Altitude 2,954masl. – 9,691 ft. Overnight camp at YUNCACHIMPA (Altitude: 2,954masl 9691ft.
DAY 2: YUNCACHIMPA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA CHAQUICOCHA
On this 2nd day we start having breakfast in camp and begin the hike passing through the Abra de Warmiwañusca, lunch and setting up camp in Chaquicocha (Altitude: 2,650 m), total hiking time 8 hrs- 9hrs (16 km 9.94 miles) with a starting altitude 3000masl – 9842 ft altitude Final altitude 3,800 masl – 12,467 ft, the level of complexity is difficult.
And we will walk 15 kilometers approximately.
DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
On this day we experience varied climates such as tropical, cloudy, we will also see the great mountain range of Salkantay and Vilcabamba and a preview of Machupichu. Our lunch place and camp will be in Phuyupatamarca (place of the fog) in some cases the camp is already in Wiñaywayna, but do not worry after lunch in Phuyupatamarca we head towards Siñayhuayna.
DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU -CUSCO
This will be our last day of the trek and we must take advantage of it so we wake up early to have breakfast and continue our trip until we reach the area called Intipunku (sun gate), place where we will see the citadel of Machu Picchu at its peak if we arrive early to this place we can appreciate the sunrise, In this place our guide will give us 2 hours of explanation and time to take all the pictures we want and our bus tickets to descend to the citadel of Machupicchu and explore on our own for this we will have a reasonable time, you can go to the thermal baths of Machupicchu village, the craft market in order what you like and of course we will also have lunch here. Finished the time that our guide will give us we start with the return to the city of Cusco, by train and car.
Includes:
- Professional guides: All of our guides studied
- English and tourism at the National University of Cusco. They all grew up in this region and have a real passion for teaching others about their heritage. They are fun but professional and will ensure that you are safe and happy.
- Permits: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, see our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number can be updated. The permit includes an entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
- Instructions: The night before your trek, you will come to our office for your briefing. You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 lbs and needs to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Porters: We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your overnight camp.
- Transportation: All your transportation is included in this hike. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4am. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and taken to KM 82, to begin your trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco. Your bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.
- Equipment: We use Eureka Timberline 4 tents that only two people share. You will also have a large dining tent to enjoy your meals.
- Food: We honor all dietary restrictions. Be sure to remind your guide of food restrictions at the beginning of your hike. Food is typically served family style.
You will be able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack will also be provided each morning for you to enjoy during the trek. Lunch on the last day is not included. - Water: From your first lunch until your last breakfast, will supply you with all the water you need. This water will be boiled, filtered and cooled before distribution. You must supply your own water bottles or camelback. We recommend bringing about 3L. We will refill our water at each meal.
- First aid: Each guide has been trained in first aid by a doctor. We hold mandatory training sessions every February, which each guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first aid kit for basic medical problems and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and as safely as possible, if necessary, and make sure you go directly to the clinic for treatment.
- Extras: Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress for insulation, a day cover to protect your gear while hiking, and a rain poncho.
- Satellite phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we are prepared and all of our guides are trained for most problems clients have on the mountain, being a phone call away from a doctor, hospital or friend helps everyone feel confident that they are safe. The radios, which all of our guides have, are limited in how far they can go, so Alpaca Expeditions has added satellite phones on every trek. Each guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us to anywhere in the world. They can also be used by our clients for non-emergencies. While they are not cheap to use, they are available in case you need to check on the puppy you left at home with grandma.
- Taxes and fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trip are included in the price quoted.
Not included:
- Travel insurance
- Huayna Picchu (ticket cost 75 $)
- Rentals: Every hiker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking poles (with rubber tips) are optional, but recommended. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:
- Sleeping bag: $20
- Inflatable air
- mattress: $15
- Walking sticks (pair): $15.
What the agency recommends:
- Wear light clothing
- Sun block lotion
- Water poncho (rainy season).
- Comfortable shoes
- Drinks such as muña or coca
- Extra money
- Bring inflatable air mattresses, walking sticks (if you want to rent any of the above, let us know).