Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
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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.
Two days to acclimate to the altitude before trarting the trek is recommended, so 2 hotel nights at the beginning and one at the end are included |
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. Dates in the summer fill up several months in advance, so try to plan well ahead.
As of January 6: . Km104 Inca Trail permits are still available for the whole year, every date. 5 day Inca Trail- May completely sold out. June mostly sold out for first half of month. March and April- quite a few dates sold out, quite a few available. Rest of year generally plenty of space.
Day 1 Arrive Cusco
Arrive Cusco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A representative will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 5pm and 6pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details).
Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.
Arrive Cusco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A representative will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 5pm and 6pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details).
Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.
Day 2 Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L)
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a women's weaving co-op, the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (market days only) and the large ruin site of Ollantaytambo that lies adjacent to the town of the same name where we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. You will have the chance to visit Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village.
Planeterra has been working with the community since 2005 to develop a viable economic alternative for women by creating a weaving cooperative to sell traditional textiles to travellers. Donations by travelers have helped build a community centre supplied with looms and sewing machines for the women to use to expand their production. This project allows the women of the community to maintain their cultural heritage and benefit from the tourism industry.
Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a women's weaving co-op, the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (market days only) and the large ruin site of Ollantaytambo that lies adjacent to the town of the same name where we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. You will have the chance to visit Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village.
Planeterra has been working with the community since 2005 to develop a viable economic alternative for women by creating a weaving cooperative to sell traditional textiles to travellers. Donations by travelers have helped build a community centre supplied with looms and sewing machines for the women to use to expand their production. This project allows the women of the community to maintain their cultural heritage and benefit from the tourism industry.
Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.
Day 3 on the Inca Trail:
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins. This takes about 40 mins. Our crew of local porters, cooks and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. You’ll trek through beautiful scenery with a variety of flora, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Start point Km 82 to Wayllambama. Approximate distance: 11km/6.8mi. Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins. This takes about 40 mins. Our crew of local porters, cooks and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. You’ll trek through beautiful scenery with a variety of flora, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Start point Km 82 to Wayllambama. Approximate distance: 11km/6.8mi. Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 4 on the Inca Trail:
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). This is the highest point of the trek at 4198m (13,769ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with time to rest and relax.
Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo. Approximate distance: 12km/7.5mi. Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hrs
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). This is the highest point of the trek at 4198m (13,769ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with time to rest and relax.
Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo. Approximate distance: 12km/7.5mi. Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 5 on the Inca Trail:
Today we cross two more passes and more ruins along the way. The first pass is at 3998m (13,113ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. You’ll hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day where you walk through original Incan constructions. The highest point of this pass is 3700m (12,136ft). On a clear day, enjoy the views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3650m (11,972ft) you’ll reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the ‘Town Above the Clouds’. We either camp here or an hour and half further along, near the Wiñay Wayna ruins (Forever Young).
Paqaymayo to Wiñaywayna. Approximate distance: 16km/10mi. Estimated hiking time: 8 hrs
Today we cross two more passes and more ruins along the way. The first pass is at 3998m (13,113ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. You’ll hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day where you walk through original Incan constructions. The highest point of this pass is 3700m (12,136ft). On a clear day, enjoy the views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3650m (11,972ft) you’ll reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the ‘Town Above the Clouds’. We either camp here or an hour and half further along, near the Wiñay Wayna ruins (Forever Young).
Paqaymayo to Wiñaywayna. Approximate distance: 16km/10mi. Estimated hiking time: 8 hrs
Day 6 on the Inca Trail:
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before the sun rises. When the morning is clear, you soak in your first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu as the mist rises off the mountains and the sun begins to illuminate the site. Hike down to Machu Picchu about 45 minutes more where you’ll have a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Travellers can opt to visit the Inca Bridge (15 min walk) for no additional charge, if time allows. After your visit, catch the bus from outside the Machu Picchu gate and take it 15 mins downhill to Aguas Calientes where you’ll meet your guide. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco this evening.
Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate). Approximate distance: 4km/2.5mi. Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hrs
Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Approximate Distance: 118km/73mi. Estimated Travel Time: 3.15 hrs
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before the sun rises. When the morning is clear, you soak in your first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu as the mist rises off the mountains and the sun begins to illuminate the site. Hike down to Machu Picchu about 45 minutes more where you’ll have a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Travellers can opt to visit the Inca Bridge (15 min walk) for no additional charge, if time allows. After your visit, catch the bus from outside the Machu Picchu gate and take it 15 mins downhill to Aguas Calientes where you’ll meet your guide. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco this evening.
Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate). Approximate distance: 4km/2.5mi. Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hrs
Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Approximate Distance: 118km/73mi. Estimated Travel Time: 3.15 hrs
Day 7 Depart Cusco (1B)
Depart at any time. Note: Return flight to Lima can be arranged if requested.
Depart at any time. Note: Return flight to Lima can be arranged if requested.
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2017 Rates per person in double occupancy: Jan. and Nov. = US$1249 March-May, Sept.-Oct. and Dec. = US$1299 June-Aug. = US$1349 Add US$169 to have single hotel room Add US$15 per person for each airport transfer in Cusco What's Included:
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Additions:
Add on a hotel in Lima, transfer to Lima airport + flight to Cusco. That would make double occupancy price = US$1499 for November, US$1549 for April, May, Sept., Oct., Dec. and US$1599 for June, July, Aug. . Add US$199 for single room
Add on a flight back to Lima + another hotel night in Lima for an extra US$200 per person double occupancy. Add US$199 for single room
Add US$30 per person for each airport transfer in Lima
Add on a hotel in Lima, transfer to Lima airport + flight to Cusco. That would make double occupancy price = US$1499 for November, US$1549 for April, May, Sept., Oct., Dec. and US$1599 for June, July, Aug. . Add US$199 for single room
Add on a flight back to Lima + another hotel night in Lima for an extra US$200 per person double occupancy. Add US$199 for single room
Add US$30 per person for each airport transfer in Lima
Meal Budget
Allow USD80-120 for meals not included.
Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Single Room Exceptions
Nights 3-5: Inca Trail
Allow USD80-120 for meals not included.
Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Single Room Exceptions
Nights 3-5: Inca Trail
Joining Hotel
Please be advised we use a variety of tourist class hotels in Cusco and have multiple departures per day for this tour. Please check your tour voucher to double check the starting hotel for your specific departure date.
Please be advised we use a variety of tourist class hotels in Cusco and have multiple departures per day for this tour. Please check your tour voucher to double check the starting hotel for your specific departure date.
Joining Instructions
Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, is approximately a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. After retrieving your luggage you will see tourist information kiosks. You can arrange for an official taxi at one of these kiosks. The rates are set and will not need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see an area with sign boards all around. Look for a sign board with your name. If after waiting for 20 minutes you do not see anyone with a signboard please contact the local emergency contact number on your voucher.
Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, is approximately a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. After retrieving your luggage you will see tourist information kiosks. You can arrange for an official taxi at one of these kiosks. The rates are set and will not need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see an area with sign boards all around. Look for a sign board with your name. If after waiting for 20 minutes you do not see anyone with a signboard please contact the local emergency contact number on your voucher.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
