Overview
The Path to Machu Picchu – The Experience of a Lifetime
There is no adventure more fascinating than hiking the Classic Inca Trail, an ancestral path that crosses mountains, inter-Andean valleys, cloud forests, and archaeological sites full of history. For 4 days, you will walk on the same millenary stones once stepped on by the Incas, until reaching the impressive Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Wonder of the World – appears before your eyes.
You will live a unique blend of effort, nature, culture, and spirituality. The Inca Trail is not just a hike; it is a transformative experience that connects past and present, wrapping you in a magical atmosphere you will remember for the rest of your life.
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Itinerario
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- 05:00–05:30 am: Pick-up from hotel.
- 3-hour drive to Km 82 with a stop in Ollantaytambo (light breakfast and rest).
- Start of trek at Piscacucho (Km 82). Passport check at official Inca Trail control.
- Easy hike crossing the Urubamba River, through cactus groves and shrub forest.
- Pass by Miskay, ascend to Willkaraccay, and enjoy panoramic views of Llactapata.
- Lunch in Tayaroc (15 min further ahead).
- 3–4 h hike through native flowers and scenic valleys to Wayllabamba (camp).
- Welcome with “macho tea” and dinner. Briefing for the next day.
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- 08:00 am: Breakfast and departure towards Ayapata Valley (1 h).
- Gradual ascent through forests and streams (3,300 m).
- Challenge of the day: reaching Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200 m / 13,776 ft).
- Ascent in 2 stages with rest stops.
- Inca stone stairs surrounded by snowcapped peaks.
- Possible sightings of hummingbirds, hawks, and condors.
- Lunch at Llulluchapampa with spectacular views.
- Final ascent (600 m) to the summit of Warmiwañusca.
- 2–3 h descent to Pacaymayo Valley (camp).
- Afternoon tea, hearty dinner, and rest.
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- 07:00 am:
- Stone-paved ascent to Runkurakay ruins (1 h).
- Cross Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m) with exceptional views.
- Descent through lagoons, Inca tunnels, and scenic viewpoints.
- Visit Sayacmarca, an impressive archaeological complex.
- Descend to Chakicocha (3,400 m). Lunch and rest.
- Continue to Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,700 m / 8,856 ft).
- 05:00 pm: Camp setup.
- Short hike to Wiñaywayna ruins.
- Tea, farewell dinner, and thanks to the porter team.
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- 03:20 am: Wake-up and hike to Inti Punku (1–2 h) using headlamps.
- Sunrise view over Machu Picchu.
- 50-min descent to the citadel entrance. Check-in.
- 2-h guided tour of Machu Picchu + free time to explore.
- Optional: Huayna Picchu hike (advance booking required, 2nd slot at 11:00 am).
- Free time in Aguas Calientes (lunch not included).
- Return by Expedition tourist train according to availability (2:30, 2:55, 3:20, 4:12, 4:43, 6:20, or 7:00 pm).
- Arrival in Cusco around 10:30 pm (Plaza Regocijo).
✅ Included
- Pre-departure briefing (7:00 pm, the day before).
- Pick-up from hotel (Cusco 5:00 am / Sacred Valley 7:20 am).
- Private transport to Piscacucho (Km 82).
- Inca Trail entrance fee.
- 2 professional guides (1 for 6–8 pax / 2 for 9–16 pax).
- Full camping equipment (EUREKA double tents, kitchen, dining tent, tables, chairs).
- Porters for camping gear.
- Full meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 4 snacks, 3 teas.
- 2 mountain chefs.
- Happy Hour (tea and snacks).
- Boiled water from Day 2 onwards.
- Coca tea wake-up service in tent.
- Thick inflatable Thermarest mattress.
- First aid kit + oxygen.
- 2-h guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Expedition tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco.
❌ No Included
- Sleeping bag (-15 °C): US$20 (3 nights).
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (last day).
- Extra porter: US$160.
- Single tent: US$80 (3 nights).
- Trekking poles: US$10 (pair).
- Aguas Calientes hot springs entrance (10 soles).
- Personal snacks (chocolates, nuts, etc.).
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (suggested US$30–40).
- Huayna Picchu ticket: US$75 (US$35 ISIC students).
- Hotel in Cusco before/after trek.
- Travel insurance.
🎒 Packing Recommendations
- Original passport (and ISIC if applicable).
- Personal backpack (25–30 L).
- Duffel bag (optional if hiring a porter).
- Sleeping bag (-15 °C).
- Sturdy trekking boots.
- Trekking poles (without metal tips).
- Layered clothing (thermal for cold nights).
- Gloves, hat, warm socks, and light clothing for daytime.
- Headlamp + extra batteries.
- Camera, binoculars, extra chargers.
- Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Small towel and personal hygiene items.
- Reusable water bottle (2 L, disposable plastic prohibited).
- Personal medication.
- Extra cash in soles (S/200–350).
💲 Price per person: USD 675