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.
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 and after entering through the Sungate (Inti Punku) you’ll discover the ancient 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 3 Lunch x 4 Dinner x 3 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 |
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Not Included |
| 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
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| 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
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| 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. |
Leaving Cusco at around 6:00 am heading to the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo where you'll have a 30-minute stop to buy the last things for your trek and you can also stop to have a coffee. From Ollantaytambo there is about 45 more minutes to reach the head of the trail at km 82.
Here you'll have 30 minutes or so to organize your things and from there this epic trail begins. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hrs to reach Tarayoc from where you'll take lunch; then a further 3 hrs before arrival to Wayllabamba where you'll camp for the evening.
Trekking Time: 5-6 hrs Altitude Range: 2,700masl to 3,000masl Ascension: 300masl Distance Covered: 12 km Accommodation: Camping Meals: Lunch, DinnerAgain waking up at 5.00 in the morning; you'll make your preparations in readiness to leave before 7.00 in the morning. It is a 2hr climb to reach the second pass; Runkurakay which is at 3,980 masl. Descending for an 1 hr to reach Sayacmarka archaeological site and from there it's 2 more hours to get to Puyupatamarca where you'll have lunch.
It's about 5 to 6hrs continuing along the way and then it's 3 hrs downhill to get to Wiñaywayna where the last camp is an 8 a 9hr walk including visits to the archaeological sites on the trail. Traversing up and down the trial of around 400m to reach Puyupatamarca. From there it's 1,000m downhill to reach Wiñaywayna located at 2,700 masl.
Trekking Time: 8-9 hrs Altitude Range: 3,980masl to 2,700masl Ascension: -1,280masl Distance covered: 16 km Accommodation: Camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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