The famous Classic Trail of the Incas leads you to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World; the Quechua Citadel of Machu Picchu. It was re-discovered for the western world by Hiram Bingham ΙΙΙ in 1911 with the guidance of local indigenous farmers. The Classic Inca Trail is a very popular 4 day hike culminating with the awesome view from the original Inca Sungate on your final trek day descending into the site for a full guided tour.
Early in the morning, we take the way leading from Cusco to Km82 (2750 mt/9130 ft), this is our check point at the beginning of the trek. The trail follows the river valley for a while; this is a good training day before the second more challenging day.
Along the way we will pass Wilkaracay with its impressive view of Patallacta which are both important Inca remains. It is just the beginning of a holy trail full of sanctuaries.
Today, after about 7 hours walking we will reach our first camping place at Huayllabamba (3000 mt/9842ft). On reaching our camp for the evening we will be met by our trek team, the porters who will have already set up camp and our cook who will be preparing our evening meal.
Day Distance: 12 km / 7.3 ml
Approximate Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Meals: L, D + Snacks
Ever optimistic, the sun will be shining on our second day as we follow the Inca trail to Warmiwañusta (Dead Woman’s Pass). This is considered to be the most challenging trek day as we cross this highest point of the trail at 4200m (13779ft), prepare for a steep uphill until we summit. The sense of achievement is a reward in itself, then a beautiful stone trail will show us the way as we descend to our tents in the campsite at Pacaymayo (3580 mt/11740 ft).
On reaching our camp for the evening we will be met by our trek team who will have already set up camp and our cook who will be preparing our mouthwatering evening meal.
Day Distance: 11km / 7 ml
Approximate Walking time: 8 to 9 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D + Snacks
Waking up just in time to be served a hot drink, our tents pitched within the surroundings of the cloud forest.
After a good and healthy breakfast we continue along this ancient trail passing small marshes, continuing over the second mountain pass of the trek. It is the second highest point of the hike (3,900mt/12,950ft). As we descend we will see the flora and fauna become more abundant with hummingbirds accompanying us along our route.
We have lunch at Chaquicocha (3500 mt/11,620 ft) a fine place for a break in the middle of the cloud forest. The last two hours of the day, are some of the most memorable and breathtaking views of the Inca Trail. We reach our last campsite when the sun sets at Phuyupatamarca, a befitting name meaning 'town in the clouds'.
Day Distance: 12 km / 7.3 ml
Approximate Walking time: 8 to 9 hrs
Meals: B, L, D + Snacks
We begin the final leg of our trek to the lost city of Machupicchu. We descend for 3hrs, about 900m below from Phuyupatamarca.
On the way down there are a couple of Incan Archaeological sites: Intipata first, and then Wiñaywayna which is just 2 hrs before the Sungate entrance (“Inti Punku”).
Having taken time to enjoy the first glimpse of Machu Picchu; we walk down in to the astonishing complex for a full tour to learn from our guide all about this fascinatingly unique Citadel.
Later we take the bus down to be on time for the train back to Ollantaytambo, from here, our private transport will bring us back to Cusco.
Day Distance: 7.3 km / 4.5 ml
Approximate Walking time: 5 hrs
Meals: B, L + Snacks
We believe in clear and thoughtful planning from the very beginning. Our booking policies outline the details of payments, cancellations, and the conditions of your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Duffel bags (up to 7Kg/15lbs per person). These are provided by your guide at your briefing. Briefing one day before the trek.
Inflatable Mattresses. Sleeping Liners. Traveler Pillow. Lamp for the tents.
3 Nutritious meals per day (special diets option available). Snacks. Drinking water along the trek.
Quadruple tents used by 2 allowing more comfort and more space to store backpacks. Toilet tent Kitchen & Dinning tent with camp tables and chairs
Chef (assistant chef for larger groups). Bilingual guide (Assistant Guide for groups over 6 passengers). Porters (for equipment and personal items).
First aid kit and oxygen bottle. Saddled horse in case of emergencies or if you are making very little progress (this horse is with the group at all times). Garmin inReach, a satellite device that ensures communication and safety on treks where there is no coverage.
Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
Inca Trail Permit Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Bus tickets between Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Meals in Aguas Calientes indicated on the itinerary. Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (option to add Huayna Picchu for an additional $70—please request at booking). Train ticket to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
Entrance to the hot springs. Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. (USD 70 extra)