Classic Inca Trail

Duration

5 Day

Group Size

Max People : 15

Classic Inca Trail – 5 Days

Overview

Classic Inca Trail Trek – 5 Days

Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu: The origins of this trail was that it was a pilgrimage route meant only for the Inca nobles; now thousands of trekkers & travellers follow this ancient footpath to Machu Picchu every year. Making it one of South Americas most well known routes it’s no wonder why this path was chosen by the Incas. The mountain pass views are stunning; and you’ll pass through numerous historic ruins along the way.

Throughout the trek, you’ll pass through cloud forests and below snowy peaks and discover the world of the Incas. Following a centuries-old sacred trail, you will visit a variety of historic sites, finally arriving at Machu Picchu, the most famous and complex of all.

After an overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo you’ll then spend the following morning touring the Incan citadel; including possible climbs to Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu mountains (for those with energy!). Following your time in Machu Picchu you’ll then make your way back to Cusco to reflect on an epic journey.

Note: If you’re short on time, be sure to check out the Short Inca Trail trek which follows the last day of the Inca Trail.

Highlights
Embark from Ollantaytambo, one of South America’s oldest villages
Crossover Dead Woman’s Pass (4212m) for breathtaking views of Pumahuanca
Camp at Phuyupatamarca, “‘the place above the clouds”
Descend the Wiñay Wayna terraces and through the Intipunku gateway

Included
Breakfast x 4
Lunch x 5
Dinner x 4
Private Transport – collection & drop-off
Professional bilingual guide
High Mountain Cook
Porters to carry equipment (porterage for personal equipment (10kg for the group) can be organized as part of the trip)
All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Trekking Poles)
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Round-trip bus tickets
Return Train to Cusco & transfer to hotel

Not Included
International Airfare
Hotels before & after (can be organised as part of trip)
Tips for crew
Any additional extras
Domestic flights (can be organised as part of trip)

Joining Arrangements	There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured.
Food & Water	Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment.
Special Diets	We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party.
Trekking Crew	We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together.
Acclimatisation	This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
Preparation	Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning \| Trek Planning
Machu Picchu	An excursion to Machu Picchu is included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco. To be confirmed on reservation.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)	We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. We also have access to on-call health services for your time with us.
Covid-19 (Useful Links)	World Health Organisation \| World Health Organisation – Peru \| Covid-19 Data – Peru \| Covid-19 Daily Statistics
Available Discounts	Throughout 2022 we’re offering a 15% discount for each member of a group larger than 4+
Reservation	Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options.
Customer Service	Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems.

Details

Itinerary

Start your trek from the charming town of Ollantaytambo, famous for its Incan fortress and temple ruins. Explore the cobblestone streets and observe life in the Andes. After lunch, drive to the trailhead at Piscacucho and meet the crew that will be accompanying you on the trail. The hike starts out by following a trail along the winding Urubamba river. With porters carrying your belongings, you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty with less stress. After a long day of trekking, you will reach Llactapata (2788m), the ruins of a grand administrative and astronomical complex. Set up camp with help from your crew, enjoy a freshly-cooked meal, and relax and enjoy the accomplishment of your first day.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite

After breakfast, prepare to climb up the edge of Cusichaca Valley to Wayllabamba, a small village that will be the last human settlement on the Inca Trail. Afterward, you will descend into true wilderness. Hike a steeper Inca trail that brings you into the beautiful cloud forests, where flora and fauna flourish. You may even spot hummingbirds fluttering among the tropical trees. The trail leads to Llulluchapampa(3680m), a patch of grassland frequented by Andean deer with an amazing view. Here, you will end the day and prepare your camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite

Today is the most rigorous day of the trek, but the challenge is worth it. Climb the trail’s highest and most demanding pass, the Warmiwañusca, or “Dead Woman’s Pass” (4212m). After that, everything gets smoother as you walk downhill the Pacasmayo valley. You’ll hike through a second pass past Runkuracay towards Sayacmarca, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Pumahuanca Mountain. After the mysterious junction point, your trek continues just a bit longer. Phuyupatamarca (3650m), “‘the place above the clouds” will be your final destination for today. The site features one of the most intact Inca ruins and overlooks snow-capped, sacred Mt. Salkantay (6,200m). Surrounded by clouds, miles above the rest of the world, you will spend your night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite

If the clouds clear up, you will wake up to the rising sun illuminating the Salkantay and Veronica mountains. Then, bid farewell to your porters and carry on towards Machu Picchu. Continue down a set of Inca stone steps past more swaths of misty cloud forests. Soon, you will pass the Wiñay Wayna, a range of terraces with patches of orchids and swallows flying overhead. Finally, trek beyond the Gateway of the Sun, Inti Punku, and the sight of Machu Picchu will await you. Soak in the view and the evening glow before riding the bus 20 minutes down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you can shower and retreat to a comfortable hotel room.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite

If you’re up bright and early, you’ll get to see the sun lighten up Machu Picchu. Follow a hiking trail up to the sanctuary for an early view and to avoid the crowds. You’ll have a fully guided tour, and for those who have requested it, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is on the list. Enjoy your time here. Explore the ruins, have a snack, take some photos, or take a nap on the terraces. At the end of your time exploring, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and wait for your return train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo where transport will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.