A hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be one of the most wonderful trekking experiences in South America. This trek takes you through enchanting scenery with different landscapes and climates and arriving at the spectacular city of the Incas: Machu Picchu. However - the popularity of the trail has been its onw demise. Too many trekkers have contributed to the erosion and general deterioration of the trail. Things have improved a little since the Peruvian Government has started to impose strict regulations on how many people will be allowed on the trail at any one time. But this has also led to dissappointment as spaces are quickly filled, usually several months in advance. Our recommendation would be to try one of the alternative Inca Trail Routes, though if you book early enough you may be able to secure a space on the classic Inca trail, which undoubtedly offers a special experience.

Day 1: Cusco - Pisca q‘uchu (Km 82) - Wuayllabamba (prairie-green place).

The day begins early, between 06:15 to 07:00am when participants will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco. We will drive through the villages of Yucay, Urubamba and other until after a 3 hours drive we arrive at Kilometer 82 (2,600m / 8,528ft). This is the first control point and all tourists have to register before starting on the trek. From this point, 42 kilometers of mountains, Andean valleys, rivers and tropical forests separate us from Machu Picchu. The first part of the trek to our first camp at Wuayllabamba village is mainly flat, with slight ascents and will take approximately 2 ½ hours until we reach the Llactapata's (town in the heights) archaeological group. From there we will enter the valley of the Kusichaca River from where the route follows a slight ascent up to Wuayllabamba's camp, located at 3,100 meters (10,168feet).
(B,BL,D).

Day 2: Wuayllabamba Camp - Pacaymayo Camp

After breakfast, we start our second day, considered by many trekkers the most difficult, since we have to climb 1,100 meters up to reach the highest point of the whole circuit, the Warmihuañusca ("dead women") high pass at 4200m (13,776ft). The slow ascent will take about 4 ½ - 5 hours approximately. The pass offers astonishing views of the surroundings and the magnificent landscape. This is a windy area so is important to wear warm clothes. Once over the pass we continue our way down to the Pacaymayo Camp located at 3,500m (11,480ft).
(B,BL,D)

Day 03: Pacaymayo - Runkuracay - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna

The third day, is not only the longest but also the most interesting. It begins with a 1½ ascent to the Runku Raccay's Pass located at an altitude of 3,950m (12,916ft). Along the way on we will visit the interesting ruins known as Runkuracay (oval building) at 3800m (12,464ft). Once over the pass the rest of the way will descend towards the interesting ruins of Sayacmarca located at 3,600 meters. In Inca times this was used as a control point for the roads connecting with Machu Picchu. Passing a beautiful cloud forest, we will continue up to the pass of Phuyupatamarca, ("town above the clouds") at 3,670m (12,038ft). From here we will descend on an impressive path of endless rock steps until we arrive near the Inti Pata's remain. Located at 2850m (9,348ft), this complex of terraces and platforms cling to the hillside of a mountain covered by thick vegetation. The trail finally leads to Wiñayhuayna's camp ("Forever Young") located at 2,700 m (8,856 ft).
(B, BL, D)

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna Camp - Machu Picchu - Cusco

The day begins earlier than usual, at about 04:30am, in order to make our final trek towards the city of Machu Picchu. After 1½ hours we arrive at the Inti Punku ("Sun Gate") at 2,700m (8,856ft), from where we will have the first impressive views of the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu. From here it is only 1 km more before we arrive at the city and enjoy a guided tour of the most important places. At about 13:00 we will be taken by bus from the citadel down to the village of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon we take the train back to the city of Cusco.
(B, BL).

Grading:

Moderate

NOTES:
This is a private departure trip, which can leave any time, subject to space availability regulations. Fixed departure trips are also available and leave Cusco regularly, however, spaces fill up early and it is essential to book well in advance to secure your departure.

Weight allowance per passenger: 8 kgs (this to be carried by porters). Passengers must carry a day back pack with their personal belongings (box lunch, warm clothing, photo camera, etc.).

FIXED DEPARTURES

Fixed departure group trecks are also available leaving Cusco every Thursday and Sunday. Our fixed departures are guaranteed with minimum 2 participants, however they are subject to spaces availability according new Government regulations (please check our remarks on this matter below).

Price per person US$ 550. - pp

Included:

Transfer from Cusco to trek start point, professional English/Spanish speaking guide, noted meals, complete camping equipment (tents for 2 persons, dining tent, kitchen tent), complete food services while on the trek, cook, helpers, porters, first aid kit, one way back packer train ticket Aguas Calientes - Cusco

Weight allowance per passenger: 8 kgs (this to be carried by porters)

For further information or booking inquiries please contact Sacred Earth.

SPECIAL INCA TRAIL NOTES:

Inca Trail Regulations:

Bookings for the Inca Trail are regulated by the Peruvian Government. According to the new rules strict, limits are imposed on the numbers of people who are within the Trail circuit area at any one time and must not exceed 400 people in total, including porters,guides,helpers and passengers. So once we get your request, we will first need to check spaces availability. If space is available during the dates you indicate we will notify you immediately. At this point an immediate and urgent prepayment of $150 per passenger becomes payable, which is used to buy your entrance tickets (boletos). Please take into account that once the tickets are purchased, the prepayment amount is not refundable in case of tour cancellation. THUS WE URGE ALL PASSENGERS TO TAKE OUT ADEQUATE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE.

Booking Procedure

If you wish to embark on the Inca Trail, it is necessary to receive your formal request as early as possible. To go ahead with the reservation request we will need the following information:

• Full name (as per is stated in your passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Age
• Gender
• Dates for your trip

Your booking confirmation will be sent to you the day after your pre-booking and prepayment have been received.

If Inca trail spaces are not available we offer other trekking possibilities to Machu Picchu including the beautiful and awesome Salcantay - Machu Picchu Inca Trail.

Use of ski poles or walking sticks: In case passengers desire to carry sticks or ski poles to facilitate the trekking on the Inca Trail, these should be with rubber tips (metal tips are not permitted).

Weight allowance for Inca Trail:

For the Inca Trail you must put in a duffel bag those things you will need when you arrive at each camp (sleeping bag, extra clothing, cleaning goods, foam or termarest mattress, etc). This duffel bag will be carried by our porters and must have a total weight of maximum 8 kgs. The items you will need for the day trek (photo camera, warm clothing, wind jacket, box lunch, etc) you must carry yourself in a day back pack (suggested a 40-50 lts back pack), unless you are willing to pay for a personal extra porter (us$ 90.-), which however will be subject to space availability on the Inka Trail for this extra porter.