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Peru Tours and Travel

Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

4 or 5 Days

A complete network of interconnecting roads linked Cusco to its provinces and other kingdoms and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of that system. Today it has become the most famous and popular trek in South America due to the variety of attractions it offers. The trail route lies within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which was created by the government in 1981 to protect the natural beauty and the archaeological sites of this extraordinary area. This spectacular trail runs from high mountains down to cloud forest, passing through a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and bird life. The route is also studded with archaeological sites which lead the visitor to the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu. See Inca Trail map

Here's your chance to take the classic and popular Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with experienced , highly qualified guides! Because the trail was being trashed out every year by independent hikers and companies that were not practicing good ecological procedures, the government has eliminated independent hiking on the trail and has limited the number of authorized companies that can take groups on the trail. The government also increased fees and created other rules to try to improve the quality and preserve the ruins for future trekkers.

" They were attentive, professional and efficient. The Trail guide was excellent. He obviously loves his country and culture and was a fount of knowledge." David Ensign

"The trip was amazing. Everything was perfect. Our guide was awesome, the food and equipment were amazing, the porters were friendly and helpful. We couldn't have dreamed of better service." Beth Keller

Please note: The government is now restricting the number of people that can be on the trail, no matter which version they are doing. Because of this, they are requiring people to sign up at least 30 days in advance, with passport names and numbers, dates of birth and nationalities. Many dates in the summer fill up several months in advance, so try to plan well ahead.

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

Day 1 - Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba - Our vehicle will take us to the trail head at Chilca. From here the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba river from where we will see beautiful views of snowcapped Veronica (5850m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of LIactapata before continuing along the Huayllabamba valley and camping that evening near the village of the same name.

Day 2- Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo - From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. After another two hours walking we reach the pass of Warmiwanuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo river where we will make our second camp.

Day 3- Pacaymayo / Winay Wayna - The trail now climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay from where we will be able to see the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca which have been recently restored. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone staircase past the ruins of Phuvupatamarca to Winay Wayna, where we will camp for the night.

Day 4- Winay Wayna / Machu Picchu - After about two hours walking we arrive at Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the citadel we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

I want to book this!

2012 Group Price: $846 with expedition train, $868 with vistadome. Single tent supplement, if requested: US$30. (private treks available)

Departure Dates : any day March-Jan. with minimum of 2 people.

Price Includes: a bi-lingual trip leader, maximum of 10 people (15 for budget) , 2 porters per person, 2-3 person tents, insolite mat per person. A sleeping bag may be rented for US $20 ONLY BY REQUEST. A mess tent, complete table service, chairs and tables (not for budget), kitchen set, special diet by request, latrine tent are provided. Meals are full board, including wine (not for budget) and other drinks. Other services included are private bus to starting point at Chillca, entrance fees to Inca trail and one day visit to Machu Picchu, bus ride from ruins to train station, train return to Cusco, transfer train station/hotel in Cusco.

5 Days / 4 Nights (with overnight by Machu Picchu)

Day 1: Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba
Our vehicle will take us to the trail head at Chilca. From here the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba River from where we will see beautiful views of snow-capped Veronica (5850m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of Llactapata where we will camp for the night.

Day 2: Llactapata / Llulluchapampa
From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. We will camp at Llulluchapampa.

Day 3: Llulluchapampa / Phuyupatamarca
After two hours walking we reach the pass of Warmiwañuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo River. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca, which have been recently restored. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone staircase to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, where we will make our camp.

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca / Machupicchu
The trail descends down a vertiginous slope along a remarkable set of stone Inca steps for approximately three hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site set in dense forest. In the afternoon we will walk for another two hours until we reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machupicchu. Note: We will normally camp at the base of the mountain, although it is also possible to make reservations in one of the many hotels in the area (not included).

Day 5: Machupicchu
Today will be dedicated to visiting the city. In the company of our guide we will visit the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces and also have some time to explore the ruins independently.

I want to book this!

2010 price: With shared services (min. of 2 people) - $ with return by vistadome train, $ with return by backpacker train. $ single supplement. + $ for permit fee

further price reduction for 5 or more

The only way to gain a space is to make a reservation long before travelling.

SERVICES INCLUDED IN TREKKING SERVICES:
Private bus outbound and return.
English speaking tour guide
Trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
Single supplement includes: single tent on trek.
All group camping equipment, double tents and Thermarest, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent.
Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as described in the above itinerary (B.L.D.)
All our trash produced during the trek, returns to Cusco.
First-aid kit.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Tips to guides, Tips to the staff., Drinks, Travel insurance. Please ensure that passengers have adequate insurance, Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc., Meals not included in the program.

What to bring on the trip:
Passport, (bring additional photocopies of your passport).
A big frameless backpack or duffle bag for your things which will be carried by our porters.
A small backpack for daily personal items (to be carried by Passenger)
Sleeping bag
Warm clothing for Andean region. Rain jacket
Long sleeved shirts (cotton). Shorts for walking (optional)
Cap and sunglasses
Insect repellent and sun block cream
Digital camera or 35mm film camera
Binoculars for bird watching enthusiasts
Well broken in hiking boots, or waterproof sports shoes
Walking poles; if you are used to walking with poles, ensure they are not metal tipped.
Bathing suit and sandals (if you wish to visit thermal baths in Aguas Calientes)
Flashlight. Knife (Remember to pack this in your main luggage for flights)
Bags for garbage.
A bottle of mineral water for the first day only (you can buy this locally)
(We provide drinking water on subsequent days)

"The services during the Inca Trail were also very nice. We were fed continuously and also appreciated the hot water to clean onself up when waking up. our guide was extremely nice and helful all the time. Her explanations about historical sites were very good." Luis Pedroza

Suggested Package With 4Day Trek

DAY 1 - arrive Lima and transfer to hotel.
DAY 2 - breakfast, transfer to airport, fly to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour
DAY 3 - breakfast, full day Sacred Valley tour, including lunch and Indian market
DAY 4 - breakfast, start trek
DAY 7 - return to Cuzco in late afternoon
DAY 8 - return to Lima and U.S. or start other tour options.

Have you heard about cheaper trips?

THE CHEAPIES INCA TRAIL TRIPS ADVERTISED IN CUSCO is a service WE DO NOT OFFER. They go in groups more than 15 people (normally more than 20) and for each group they take 4 porters (if group is of 15) or 5 porters (if group is of 20). Porters carry food and tents only, clients have to carry their sleeping bags and belongings.

FOOD: it is very poor - sardines, noodles, etc.
EQUIPMENT: they buy used equipment from other backpackers, so their tents are different models and colors and all of them very small. Several times our groups have had to help some people when it was raining because their tents were leaking. They had to sleep in our dining tent with our porters.

Inca Trail Info

On the Inca Trails System You Can Not:
1. alter, extract or damage the existing warning sign.
2. move stone elements of the Inca buildings.
3. walk on the Inca walls..
4. extract or collect species of flora.
5. hunt or capture species of Fauna.
6. destroy trees
7. buy any type of species of flora or wild fauna.
8. introduce Firewood to the trail system or to use like fuel any type of firewood.
9. use sky poles with metallic ends (it must have a soft cover: rubber).
10. smoke outside the indicated zones for camping.
11. cause disorder or disturbances that affect the tranquility of other tourists.
12. Throw away plastic bottles, Sweepings or any kind of rubbish
13. take pets during the route.

Weight Limits

During the trip we take porters for your convenience; they carry all the camping equipment, including tents for you, tents for our personnel, dining tent, tables and chairs (depending of the type of trip you have booked), food, part of your personal gear and other necessary equipment to make your camping experience comfortable.
The total weight of all above items are divided among of our camp personnel. Porters will carry 20 kilos (44.10 pounds) - it is the maximum allowed by law. To take more equipment from our side or more personal things from your side means more porters, then the costs are higher and consequently your trip would be more expensive. So we kindly ask to take just the necessary things for your 3 or 4 nights of camping.

After doing a research among of our traveller from 2001 to now, have concluded that you need to take around 7 kilos (15.50 pounds) average. So, please pack the necessary items in one duffle bag (we can provide one in Cusco without charge) and give to your guide, then he will give to the porters. The duffle bag you will get back as you as you arrive to the campsite. (during the hike you won't see the porters so make sure to take in your day pack the necessary things for the day).

If you spend an extra night at Machu Picchu

For people who spend extra night (s) in Machu Picchu and have things to use there (extra clothes, books, etc.) we suggest to send them to the hotel with our help. Please ask for more details when you are in Cusco.