CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

Overview

4-Day Classic Inca Trail is a wonderful trekking in Peru that leads you to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; it’s probably the most interesting and beautiful trek in the world; because the trekking involves the Andes, cloud forest and enigmatic VX century Inca sites. Along the Trail you’ll have the choice to see great variety of  flora, fauna and Inca archaelogical sites. The trail is stone paved ancient path which ends in the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu situated at 2,400 m /7,874 fts.

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is well known for its great biodiversity and its mysterious Inca archaeological sites; the INCA TRAIL is the most important route that links the main capital of the Incas – Cusco, with the religious Inca center – Machu Picchu. The trekking distance is of 45km or 26mls; with three high passes; the higest of which reach up to 4,200m / 13779fts. It is said that the Classic Inca Trail is one of the famous trekking route in the world doe to the natural and cultural highlights.

Inquiry Now Classic Inca Trail

Our Classic Inca Trail, has verity of beautiful highlights such as: landscape, culture, views of Machu Picchu and the Vilcabamba range, rivers, jungle, etc. This Adventure Trekking to Machu Picchu is portered trekking Tour, where the porters carry the majority of the equipment and we use camping tents for three nights; the tents are top quality and it is distributed one tent for every two persons

Essential Info for Classic Inca Trail

• Location: The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail Trek begins at about 3 hours car drive from the city of Cusco; in the zone of Pisaqhakucho, known as the “Kilometre 82”, near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Distance: 45 Km / 26Miles
• Time: 4 days/ 3 nights
• Level: Moderate, though still difficult if you have average fitness.
• Departure Dates: Any day with two people. We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart when it suits you best.
• Acclimatization: Minimum 2 days at an altitude of 3,000 meters or higher is recommended.
• When to go: The best time to hike is from April until November, but the busy season is June to August; during this time is considered the dry season; there are little rains.
• Altitude: The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at 2,750 masl/8,875 ft and the maximum altitude is  4,200 masl /13,818 ft; this point calls “Warmiwañusqha pass” or Dead Woman Pass.
• Temperatures: From minus 4ºC to 28ºC

Highlights

• Hike the world’s famous trek to Machu Picchu knows as the ” 4-day Classic Inca Trail”.
• Explore Beautiful and special Inca ruins along the way.
• Your first sight of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
• Explore the wonder of the world – Machu Picchu
• Many photo opportunities
• Great views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range
• Trek across the Machu Picchu national park
• Walk at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful landscapes
• Learn about the Incas; the biggest culture in the Americas development from XV to XVI century

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: First walking day (7 – 8 hours)

3-hour bus journey to km 82 (starting point of the Inca trail), then continue walking through the stuning valley.

DAY 2: Dead woman pass ( 7 – 8 hours)

Enjoy the most challenging part of the Inca Trail,  trekking through the highest point “Warmiwañusqha pass” (Dead Woman’s pass – 4,200 masl/13,779ft).

DAY 3: A wonderful day (5 – 7 hours)

Wonderful day trekking on the original and well-maintained Inca Trail; we will visit Sayacmarka, Phuyupatamarka and Wiñaywayna Inca ruins.

DAY 4: Visit Machu Picchu and retunr to Cusco.

We’ll start very early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and explore every important place. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Cusco.

Deatiled Itinerary for Classic Inca Trail

One Day before our highly trained guide will meet you at your hotel to go over final details and ensure you are ready and excited for the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Pisqhakucho (km 82) – Ayapata

At 05:30 a.m we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you in our private bus to Pisqhakucho or km 82 (the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail). Bus journey from Cusco to Pisqhakucho takes approximately 3:30 hours.

Once we arrive there, we’ll pass the control point showing the TREK PERMITS and passports of integrants of the group. Then we walk over  a 50-meters long bridge to the other side of the “Urubamba” river from where we’ll climb up for five minutes aprox. Then the trail continues undulating with the presence of different types of cactus, some local families and farming lands of corn and potatoes.

Two hours after we arrive to Mesqhay; A nice resting place where you can purchase water and other type of drinks; here we will stop for resting (15 minutes), after that we’ll continue 40 minutes walk to Llactapata Inca Ruins. where the guide will explain you about the site.

From Llactapata, the trail continues through the Cusichaca River/Valley. After two hours of walking we will arrive to Hatunchaca (long bridge) where our lunch will be served. From here, we’ll continue 45 minutes to Wayllabamba (Valley of Grass – 3,000 masl) which is a small community; here you can purchase some snacks and some water.

After a good rest in “Wayllabamba”, we continue the climb up the last two kilometers to “Ayapata” camp (3,300m – 10,820fts asl); which will take us approximately 1:30 hours.

• Meals included: L & D.
• Accomodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
• Maximum Altitude: 3,300m / 10,820fts. Camp
• Minimum Altitude: 2,750m / 9,022fts. starting point
• Distance Travelled: 13 km / 8 mls.
• Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours.

DAY 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chakiccocha: Top Day

After breakfast we’ll depart from Ayapata Camp at 07:00 a.m. Today will be our longest day; but one is rewarded with spectacular views. From Ayapata, the trail climbs up for two hours to Llulluchayoc Zone; where you can see several species of birds and hummingbirds, falcons and black-crested buzzard eagles.  From Llulluchayoc zone, the trail climbs for two more hours to “Warmiwañusqha” pass. You can walk at your own pace.

Warmiwañusqha or Dead Woman Pass (4,200m / 13,997 fts); is the highest pass and the first of two passes that we will cross today. Once we arrive to the pass, we’ll take a rest before beginning a steep descent into the Pacaymayo  valley (3,600 m /11,800 fts) 2:30-hours. At Pacaymayu Valley our lunch will be served. Then we’ll continue the second ascent.

From Pacaymayu, we will hike one hour and stop at Inca ruins of Runkuraqhay (round shaped balcony); Runkuraqhay was probably a relay station for the Inca massagers (The chaskis); From Runkuraqhay, the trail continues up for 1 hour to the second pass (4,000 m / 13,123 fts). From here, most of the trail is downhill or gently undulating until we reach the impressive Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (inaccessible or dominant spot).  from Sayacmarka a 20-minutes walk will bring us to Chakiccocha (3,600 m / 11,800 fts) camp.

• Meals included: B, L & D.
• Accomodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,977 fts. The pass
• Minimum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,800 fts. The Camp
• Distance Travelled: 17 km / 10.5 mls.
• Approximate walking time: 7 – 8 hours.

DAY 3: Chakiccocha – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna

Today will be short and beautifully day because this stretch of the INCA TRAIL is well-kept stone paved, still in great condition after many centuries. From Chakiccocha camp, the The Inca Trail continues two hours undulating to the 3rd pass (3,600 m / 11,800 fts). A few minutes down after the pass,  is  located the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarka; The name means Town over the clouds, which probably was temple of the water. One still can see here a beautiful six water baths bordering a small courtyard used for the rituals of the water.

After the exploration, we leave the site via an impressive Inca staircase. After about three hours of walking through cloud-forest we’ll arrive to Wiñaywayna (2,600 m / 8, 530 fts); I’ts the last official campsite before Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore this stunning Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna. The name in Quechua means “Young Forever” and is named doe to a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins were discovered in 1942 by the historian from Peru Julio C. Tello; The ruins comprises magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location.

• Meals included: B, L & D.
• Accommodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
• Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,800 fts. The Pass
• Minimum Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 fts. The camp
• Distance Travelled: 10 km / 6.20 mls.
• Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours.

DAY 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – “Aguas Calientes” – Cusco

Get up at 04:00 a.m and start the hike at 05:00 a.m to get to Intipunku or Sungate and overlook Machu Picchu for the sunrise ( if weather allows).

From the Wiñayhuayna camp to Sungate, the hike will be for 1:30 hours approximately with significant upward stretches in the last half; the trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 62 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory – a fantastic sight for all.

From Inti Punku we walk down to Machu Picchu (45 minutes) and arrive to the upper part from where you’ll have the choice to the panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu

Once you arrive to Machu Picchu, you will have ample time to take photos from the classic viewpoint. When the group is back together again, we’ll descend to the main entrance where you can safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. The group will re-enter to Machu Picchu Ruins with the same guide for a complete informative tour of the major sectors.

The tour takes about 2 – 3 hours so at about 11:00 a.m you will have free time to explore the ruins alone. After you finish your exploration, you will take bus down to the town of “Aguas Calientes” to enjoy your lunch; the buses from Machu Picchu to “Aguas Calientes” are leaving every 10 minutes. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the train station and return to Cusco.

Important note:

The above trek itinerary is typical 98% majority of our Inca trail 4-day groups. However, campsites used during the trek may be subject to change depending on availability of spaces as issued by the UGM (the government authorities that control access to Inca Trail). The UGM are responsible for allocating the campsites to the trekking companies.

Although we try to make Wiñaywayna our last campsite (since it is only a 2-hour trek to Machu Picchu) we cannot guarantee this to be the case and on occasions, we have been allocated space at Phuyupatamarca (nearly 5 hours from Machu Picchu). These matters are the same for all trekking companies and are outside of our direct control.

• Meals included: B.
• Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 fts. Inti punku or Sun Gate
• Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 fts. Machu Picchu
• Distance Travelled: 5 km / 3 mls.
• Approximate walking time: 2 hours.

Inclusions

Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu includes

• Transportation: Transfer from your hotel in our tourist bus to Pisccakucho (km 82, starting point of the Inca trail); Bus down from Machu Picchu to the town of “Aguas Calientes”; Tourist train expedition class from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo; Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
• Inca Trail Permits.
• Entrance Fees: For Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 hot lunches, 3 hot dinners: Delicious meals prepared by professional chef. Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn); we offer vegetarian option upon request, we provide available boiled water each morning for your water bottles.
• Guides: Licensed bilingual tour guide (2 guides over 8 people),
• General Porters: For camping equipment, food and cooking gears.
• Camping Equipment: We provide four people capacity tent for two people, brand new four season tents, therm-a-rest, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, seats, tables, tent for porters, kitchen gear and backpacks, warm clothes and life insurance for the porters.
• Others Items: First aid kit, oxygen bottle.

Excluded

• Breakfast on the first morning; some hotels offer early morning breakfast. If not, we’ll stop in the town of Ollantaytambo, on the way to the starting point of the trek where you can have breakfast and buy some items for the trek.
• Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” on the final day; you must consider a budget from $15.00 USD to $30.00 USD for this meal.

Optional items to be hired:

• Entrance to the thermal baths in “Aguas Calientes” (optional) US$ 6.00.
• Extra Porter to carry your personal items (7kg) in duffel bags that we provide $ 60.00 USD for the entire trek.
• Sleeping bag can be rented in our office for $20.00 USD for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
• Others; the optional night in the town of “Aguas Calientes”, we will assist you on this but you must let us to know in advance and change you train tickets for the next day.
• Tips for the staff.

Payment facts

We’ll require a non-refundable trek deposit of $200 USD per person. The deposit can be sent by a WESTERN UNION, by PAY PAY or to our BANK ACCOUNT by money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru.

The money transfer should be in the name of “SUNRISE PERU TREK TOUR OPERATOR E.I.R.L”. Once you arrive in Cusco, you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour. We accept both: US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

PACKING LIST FOR THE 4-DAY CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

What should I pack for 4-Day Classic Inca Trail Trek? This is the most frequently asked question by Inca Trail hikers.

When traveling to a new and faraway destination like South America, you’ll need to prepare well in advance, especially when you are thinking to hike the Classic Inca Trail.

For your trip to Peru, you will take one or two large suitcases depending on the length of your vacation. However, you will only bring the necessary equipment for the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. You must store the rest of your belongings in your hotel in Cusco while you are on the Trail

For the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, you should minimize the equipment that you will bring. We recommend 5 kilos in your backpack and 7 kilos in your duffle bag. Remember that you are responsible for carrying your backpack at all times and that you will need to have all the necessary equipment for the day. Our robust porters will carry the 7-kilos of your duffel bag, and you can only find them at the campsites but not during the day.

Essentials for the Classic Inca Trail:

• Valid and original passport (a copy will not be accepted)
• The passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months to enter and leave Peru.
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
• Walking shoes (light and comfortable)
• A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable)
• Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel backpack or one or more bottles of water
• Trekking poles (you can rent from us)

Items to put in your backpack:

Below is a list of items that we strongly recommend you carry with you at all times in your backpack. Remember that you will take it with you every day of the trek, so we recommend you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack.

It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack must not exceed 25lts. All larger bags cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.

• hat and sunglasses
• Waterproof clothing
• Warm layers (fleeces/long-sleeved shirts)
• Sunscreen, insect repellent
• Gel alcohol
• Toilet paper
• personal medication
• Bandages, moleskin
• Camera, extra batteries
• Head Torch
• Additional snacks, energy bars, chocolate.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (a small change helps pay for the use of the villagers’ toilets on the first day)

Items to put in your Duffle bag:

SPT TRAVEL & TOURS will provide you with a duffle bag to pack all the items you don’t need to take with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note that this bag must weigh a maximum of 7kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). These two items weigh approximately 3kg together (2kg sleeping bag, 1kg air mattress). During the Inca Trek, you will go through different temperatures on the way up/down; it can also get cold at night at the campsite. Therefore, layers work best!

The Duffle bag will be delivered to our office during the briefing held the day before the trek; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to organize your things sooner.

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Air mattress
• Light and comfortable shoes for camping.
• Warm jacket, hat and gloves for the Inca Trail
• 4 t-shirts (absorbent t-shirts are best)
• 2 pants/mountain pants
• 2-3 sets of underwear
• 2-3 pairs of hiking socks
• 1 fleece
• 1 warm coat for the coldest nights
• quick dry towel
• Soap
• Wet wipes
• toothbrush and paste
• moisturizing face cream
• power bank/battery charger
• Plastic bags to separate wet or muddy clothes

The Price Info

Daily Departure

Available discounts:

You’ll get $25 USD discount on prices to students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and children under the age of 17 years old (scans of your ISIC card or child’s passport must be provided at the time of paying the trek deposit in order to qualify for the discount). International Youth Travel Cards (IYTC) or other forms of student identity are not acceptable.

The Inca Trail Availability:

We offer daily departures on the Classic Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed) – The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail  (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible.

Inca Trail Optional Extras:

• Sleeping Bag US$25
• Walking Pole US$10
• Inflatable Mattress US$15
• Single Tent Supplement US$30
• Personal Porter (half) to carry 6kg of personal items US$60
• Full Porter to carry 14kg of personal items US$130

The Private price

• 2  people $740 USD PP
• 3  people $700 USD PP
• 4  people $670 USD PP
• 5  people $645 USD PP
• 6 + people $ 615 USD PP

Classic Inca Trail FAQ’S

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”

Questions and answers that will help on the Classic Inca Trail

THE TOUR BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm or 7pm at our office or in your hotel.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel in Cusco, both are for free.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA TRAIL??

OF COURSE! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number that you sent to us to book your Inca Trail permit. The rangers check each day and also when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, we can make the changes when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-8 persons. SUNRISE PEREU TREK Specializes in SMALL; PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 6kg/12p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear.

It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE TRAIL?

Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, SUNRISE PERU TREK will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases; a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if recover quickly.  They then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up!

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train’s availability BUT the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you will take the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours for Machu Picchu

WHY THE INCA TRAIL IS BETTER THAN THE OTHERS?

The Classic Inca Trail is the only trek that leads you directly up to the Sun Gate, having the first amazing view of Machu Picchu. This trail has also a historical significance because along the Inca Trail, you will explore many religious Inca Cities and it will take you through many different microclimates, offering amazing views of the Andes, the valleys, the waterfalls, the flora and fauna.

HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO ACCLIMATE BEFORE THE TREK?

It is advisable to have two full days in Cuzco to recover from your travel and to do at least one day hike to higher altitudes help with acclimatization. We can organize day hikes & other tours around Cuzco for you. If you have already been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cuzco, we still recommend you have a complete day in Cuzco to rest, recover from your travel and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cuzco before departing for the trek.

To avoid altitude sickness on the trek, we recommend that you spend time in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. If you have never been in high altitude, we recommend that you spend a day in the Sacred Valley because it is at lower altitude than Cusco city.