Inca Trail Trek

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days/3 nights)

Machu Picchu is situated in the region know as the Vilcabamba. This area extends between the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers where the 45km Inca trail lies within. Visitors from all around the world come to Peru, not only to see Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, but also to hike the Inca trail. The Inca Trail links a range of stunningly preserved Inca ruins. Along the way the natural scenery is breath-taking, with views of snow capped mountains and the lush cloud forest vegetation.  IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Our classic 4-day Inca tour runs from March through to January. Please note that the Inca trail is closed for the month of February. Due to recent regulations the Inca Trail is only limited to 500 trekkers a day, including tour guides, porters and cooks. For this reason we highly recommend you book the Inca trail at least 3 months in advance, especially during the peak season (May to September). The trek permits are issued on a first-come-first served basis until the permits have all been sold out. Fortunately for those who have missed out on the Inca trail option, we do have a number of alternative routes to offer that can be booked even days ahead in Cusco. Difficulty of trek: Moderate Length of trek: 4 Days / 3 Nights (optional 2 days/1 night) Start point: Cusco End point: Cusco Type of trek: Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking ITINERARY Day 1 Cusco - Huallabamba Starts with a nice and early pick-up at 6am from your hotel and a 3 1/2 hour bus journey to kilometre 82, where we will begin the trail. On the way we will stop at the town of Urubamba where you can buy walking sticks and perhaps anything you have forgotten. Once we arrive to KM82 we will prepare for you a hot breakfast. To begin the trail we first cross the river Vilcanota and follow the trail along, passing through a little village then to the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay. After 7 hours (13km) of hiking, tonight we spend the night in Huallabamba. Day 2 Huallabamba - Pacamayo What is going to be a phisically tough day of accent, we hike 11km. Climbing up from Wayllabamba for a few hours through the beautiful forest, until we reach the meadow of Llulluchapampa (3680m). A quick tea break and we are heading up again to Abra de Huarmihuañusca (meaning 'Dead Woman's Pass'), our highest (not to mention the hardest) point of the trail at 4200m. After celebration of having completed this section, the decent from the pass is steep but not difficult, so be careful! Once we reach the valley floor we set up our second nights camp in Pacamayo. Day 3 Pacamayo - Wiñay Wayna Today is an easier but longer hike of 16km. From Pacamayo it takes 1 1/2 hours to climb to the ruins of Runkuracay. From the ruins the view of Pacamayo valley is all worth it once the hard part is over. From here we continue our trek to the second pass of Abra de Runkuracay (4000m). Now walking along a cobbled path we again begin a deep decent until we reach Sayacmarca (meaning Inaccessible Town). Before reaching the 3rd pass we walk through astonishing cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, flowers and not to mention the Inca tunnel. The 3rd pass is at 3700m, then soon to be at the most spectacular ruin so far; Phuyupatamarca (meaning Town in the Clouds). Following this its time to descend thousands of stairs - again be careful, espicially of your knees! After this long day we camp the night in Wiñay Wayna, here you will have the pleasure of a hot shower and a restaurant/ bar. Day 4 Wiñay Wayna - Cusco Leaving nice and early on our last day, we are hiking while its still dark so don't forget your flashlight. The trail today contours a mountainside and into the could forest. We stop for a short time hopefully to see the sun rise at our final pass, the Intipunku (meaning 'Sun Gate'). Afterwards, get ready for the unforgettable experience observing Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, then its your choice to climb Wuaynapicchu which will take about 2 hours to the top and and back down again. Please also note that there is a limit of 400 persons per day to climb Wuaynapicchu. Finally, if your not staying in Aguas Calianties tonight then you will prepare for your train journey back to Cusco. INCLUDED: Transfers to and From Cusco Entrance fees Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) Cooks for: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 3 Lunch Snacks, coffee/ tea Bilingual guide Tents, sleeping matts, table(s) and chairs Short bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Oxygen NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bag Flashlight   WHAT TO BRING: Passport Hiking shoes Backpack and/or Day pack Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius Warm clothing (layers recommended) Thermals (woolen hat, socks and scarf are recommended) Toilet paper Flashlight Camera and film Batteries Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses) Insect repellent Rain jacket or Poncho Water proof back pack cover Water bottle Water purifying tablets Personal medical kit Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips   OPTIONAL (in us dollars): Extra porters for personal belongings (for 4 days): $85 Walking poles, can be bought at Ollantaytambo village on the way to the trail Approx.$3 Extra night option in Aguas Calienties: $45 Single tent supplement $15 per day

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