classic inca trail to machu picchu 4d/3n- apus peru adventure trekking specialists

traditional adventure treks > Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and just one example of the approximate 40000 kilometres of roads built by the Incas some 500 years ago! Inca road roads were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from Colombia in the north to Chile in the south! The Traditional or Classic Inca Trail tour starts in the Sacred Valley and finishes in a jungle region going through a range of vegetation types in route. The Classic Inca Trail trek is a once in a lifetime experience, never to be forgotten. Check out our porter welfare information.

Haz cliq aqui para la version castellano de Camino Inca a Machu Picchu

Inca Trail tour (or trek) booking advice

Since 2004, the number of trek permits for the Inca Trail is limited to 500 per day (about 200 visitors and 300 trekking staff) so if you want to do this trek it is VITAL to book well in advance. For the high season (May to September) it advisable to book at least 3 months in advance to guarantee a place. Permits are sold on a first come, first served basis, and once all places have been booked, NO trekking operator can offer you a space on the Inca Trail. There is no system with a waiting list. All spaces are personal and non-transferable and even if someone would cancel. Campsites are also allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis, so if you want Winaywayna for your 3rd night campsite, you should be amongst the first 300 bookings, or we may not be able to offer you this campsite (depends a bit).
Even in the low season you should book as far in advance as possible. Please also note that the Inca Trail is closed in February of each year for maintenance. Machu Picchu remains open and can be visited via one of our alternative treks or train.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek - at a glance

highlight: the ruins along the way, your first sight of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) - hiking on well preserved Inca Trail.

location: the trek begins about 3 hours from Cusco at Kilometre 82, near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

level: moderate

adventure rating: 500 permits are issued daily for the Inca Trail. In the peak season the trail is booked months in advance. For a isolated trekking experience, consider one of the alternative treks.

departs: any day with two people.

Full itinerary

What's included/What should I bring

Prices

Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say!

Reservations - to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read our making a booking page and then email us for reservation forms!

ation of the meaning of Apu

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- full itinerary

Day One
You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel between 4.30am and 6am. (Exact time will be advised at your pre-trek briefing). You should have breakfast in your hotel or bring some snacks. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for last minute purchases, plus an opportunity for breakfast if you wish. We will continue to Pisacucho (also known as Kilometre 82) where the trail starts. On arrival at Kilometre82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card. Crossing the Urubamba river we begin our trek through typical dry forest growing cacti, prickly pears and the Tara tree. We will walk around 3 hours (6kms) to Llactapata the first archaeological site on our journey. 4 kilometres of gentle uphill through farmland takes us to Wayllabamba and our campsite for the night.

Walking – 12kms or 8 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,700ms, 8990 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 3,100ms, 10000feet
Altitude of camp – 3,100ms , 10000 feet.
Approx night temperature: Around 10oC.

Day 2.
This is generally considered the most challenging day of the trek. We will wake early in order to get a good start. Leaving small villages and farmland we will enter the sub tropical forest and lunch around Llulluchapampa. From here we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass’ – 4200m/13779ft). There is an amazing sense of achievement upon reaching the top.
We will continue downwards 600ms (1980 feet) over 3 kms (1.8 miles) through very humid forest to the evening campsite of Pacaymayo,
Walking – 11kms or 6.8 miles
Minimum Altitude – 3,100ms, 10000 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 4,200ms, 13780feet
Altitude of Camp – 3,600ms, 11810 feet
Approx night temperature: Around 6 degrees C.

Day 3
After another early breakfast we will walk to the beautiful Inka site of Runkurakay one of the check points and the beginnings of the original royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu. We will continue on to Sayakmarka one of the most beautiful Inka remains on this, the Classic Inca trail. After lunch we trek through some very beautiful scenery ,with, the entrance to the cloud forest and the fabulous examples of orchids and humming birds we will walk for another hour to Phuyupatamarca (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’) and to reach the third highest point on the trail (3680m). There are also wonderful views of Salkantay Mountain. From here we have 3 hours of downhill into the forest and Wiñay Wayna and our camp for the evening. This is the most popular campsite with access to hot showers and a cold beer.
A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail. Make sure you ask your guide about visiting this site!
Walking – 12kms, 10.5 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,670ms, 8760 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 3,900ms, 12800feet
Altitude of Camp – 2,670ms, 8760 feet
Approx night temperature: Around 12 degrees C

Day 4
We will rise very early on this day in order to arrive at the (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This early morning hike is the final part of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and from the Sun Gate you have your first view of the mysterious and enigmatic Machu Picchu.
After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself!
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco.
Note: The train included in all tours is the Backpacker service (to Ollantaytambo) and then bus to Cusco. For those who wish a more flexible train timetable, you might like to upgrade to a Vistadome train. This is an extra $30 per person and must be nominated AT BOOKING. If you wish to make a change to your train ticket after booking, you will be responsible for all fees and charges incurred.
Walking – 8kms, 5 miles
Minimum Altitude – 2,400ms, 7870 feet.
Maximum Altitude – 2,720ms, 8920 feet You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!
* Allocations or Itinerary are subject to change depending on time of booking and campsites provided by INC (institution that runs the Inca Trail).

IMPORTANT – government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule.
Therefore to guarantee your place on the inca trail trek or tour you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non refundable deposit of 50% the trek price. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on trail.
All times noted are approximate.

Please note: The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.

An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged if we are advised WELL IN ADVANCE. We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase the ticket again, valued at approx $40 US.

What's included?

For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

Pre trek briefing
Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek
Entry fee to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 8 people).
Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
Toilet tent
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
Porters (for equipment and personal items) They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire a porter, please contact us for costs.
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
Tents for our staff to sleep in
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle - but not blister treatments as known in western countries.
Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu

You should bring:

A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
Small towel or sarong
Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
Binoculars (if you have them)

optional extras We can hire the following to you.

Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
Porter - $25.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra porter. ($100 for the whole trek, including the porter wages, food, and Inca Trail entry permit).
Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED

, prior to departur

prices 2009 the four day Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

prices 2010 the four day Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu -4 day Inca Trail Trek - valid from 01 March 01 to 31 January 11.

# people departing	1	2	3	4	5+
price (per person)	please enquire	$665	$555	$520	$490

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Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):

5% discount for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)

Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)

Teenagers: US$ 30.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

To make a booking:

You need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit.
For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking