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Itinerary
Premium Inca Trail Tours – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho (Km.82) – Hatunchaca
We will pick you up from your hotel at scheduled time and take you in our private van to trailhead located at km 82. From the starting point of the Inca Trail tours, we will travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. The hiking diffuiculty on the first day is relatively low, but it does help you to mentally and physically prepare for the trekking to come. During the first day, we’ll cover about 10km of the trail, all of which will be in the Hatunchaca valley. While here, we’ll pass by incredible, archaic ruins and enjoy the picturesque mountain views along with various species of plants and animals. Our campsite for the night is in Hatunchaca (2,900m/9,454ft) which is further behind on the trail than the most frequented campsites of other hikers.
Day 2: Hatunchaca – Pacaymayo
On the second day, we will wake up early in order to begin our ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass. As we make our way up the mountain, we will be accompanied by the fantastic views of ice-covered mountains and the cloud forest. This first stretch is the most difficult part of the Inca Trail hike because it consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9km; it does, however, bring us to the first mountain pass on the trail. Luckily, we only climb halfway up the pass since we have plenty of time to reach our destination. We are going to stop at Llulluchapampa—a perfect place to enjoy lunch. More importantly, this is the last place to buy any last essentials that you may need.
From here, the landscape dramatically changes as cloud forest collides with the dry highlands of Puna which is characterized by little vegetation such as herbs and grasses. It is here where we’ll have the chance to spot llamas lazily grazing on Ichu grass. It’s a 2 hours walk up to the pass (4,215m/13,780ft). Once you reach the summit you feel like you are amongst the celestial heavens due to the unbelievably amazing views. After an enjoyable time of relaxing, we’ll head down to the other side of the mountain to the campsite of Pacaymayo. Altogether, the descent normally takes a couple of hours.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, we will continue our Inca Trail Tours up the opposite side of the valley. As we make our way towards the second pass on the trek, we will pass by roaring waterfalls, ancient Inca ruins, and exquisite flora and fauna. After crossing through the pass, we will once again begin our descent back into the cloud forest where we’ll find Sayacmarca—one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca trail. Fortunately, we are going to have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the beauty of this place.
Following our time at Sayacmarca, we will walk 20 minutes to reach Chaquicocha which is the perfect place to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we’ll continue our hike up gradual inclines until we come to our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680m/11,996ft). This part of the Inca trail circumvents the mountain allowing us to experience the beautiful sights of the Vilcabamba mountain range in the distance. This area is also characterized by an abundance of plants and wildlife. In total, the walk to our campsite will take about 2 hours. Upon our arrival, we’ll get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Urubamba River in the valley down below. After setting up camp, we will have time to explore the Inca site and relish in the last fiery rays of the sun as it sets over the snow-capped peaks.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna– Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
This day’s focus will solely be on the Incan ruins! We will be visiting 3 beautiful Inca sites before finally arriving to the ancient city of Machu Picchu a bit later in the day. Since we will only have a short distance left to cover, you will have the opportunity to really explore the first two sites in great detail. Furthermore, you’ll learn more about Incan culture and Machu Picchu in preparation for the first upcoming visit. After a 3 hour descent, we will arrive to our third site, Wiñaywayna—a beautiful Incan site considered to be the largest ruins along the Inca trail. The tour of this archaeological complex will be followed up with our final lunch with our porters where we’ll have to bid them farewell before we go to Machu Picchu.
Traditionally on the Inca trail, we have a thanking ceremony for all of the hard work the porters and cooks have put in, and if you want, you can leave a tip for them at this time. The final stretch of the Inca trail trek is completely deserted at this time of day, so our arrival to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) will permit us the perfect chance to enjoy the sunset in peace. We’ll also have a short Machu Picchu tour without the disturbance of too many people meaning we’ll be able to get some great photos of the citadel. At the end of the day, we will catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes where we will check into the hotel for a great night’s rest so that we will be fully prepared for all of the excitement tomorrow.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, you will catch the bus to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. This is only a 20 minute journey through a beautiful mountain jungle. Finally once you arrive in the citadel, your guide will take you on a tour that will cover the most important temples and palaces of the city. Afterward, you will have extra time to explore the ruins on your own. If you have booked a permit to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this will be the time for you to enjoy these amazing monuments. Then, we will have to catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes and a train that usually departs in the afternoon to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will take a bus back to Cusco.
Inclusions
What’s Included?
- Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
- English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Air mattresses
- Professional cook
- Entrance Fee to the trail and Machu Picchu
- Briefing the night before the trek
- Extra porter + duffel bag
- Porters to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Dinning tent
- Kitchen tent
- Train ticket, Vistadome class at 16:22 hours
- Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Meal: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
What is not Included?
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Huayna Picchu mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- First day morning breakfast
- Last day lunch
- Extra expenses
- Tips
Prices
Inca Trail Tours – Prices
We warmly welcome you to have the best possible experience on the Premium Inca Trail tours with Inka Trail Explorer. Our treks can be during any date of the year as long as there are available governmental permits for that day. Permits are only needed for your start date.
This private 4-day Premiuim Inca Trail tour is the best trek to Machu Picchu and can start at any size. We all will do our best to make this the most positively unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
- 2 people $825 USD per person
- 3 people $800 USD per person
- 4 people $775 USD per person
- 5 people $750 USD per person
- 6 people $725 USD per person
- 7+ people $700 USD per person
Discounts
Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements
Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20
Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.
Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.
The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age 2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.
Some considerations
For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com
Upgrades
Inca Trail Tours – Optional Extras
Optional Rentals
- Sleeping Bag $25 USD
- Walking Pole $8 USD each
- Single Tent Supplement $30 USD
Optional Upgrades
- Casa Andina: $55 USD pp if sharing ($110 for a single)
- El Mapi: +$65 USD pp if sharing (+$170 for a single)
- Huynapicchu: $65 USD per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. For our Premium inca trail hikers we highly remmend climb the Huayna Picchu Mt in the Second session from 10am to 11am.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.
- Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
- Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
- Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.
Machu Picchu Mountain
The climb up to Machu Picchu mountain is nearly twice as high as Huayna Picchu but has a more gradual ascent profile up to its summit at 1,850 feet (~620m) above the city ruins (3,051m above sea level).
The panoramic views are from another world. The Inca ruins, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains look so small behind the giant row of mountains that it makes you wonder if it is true what you are seeing. You will be astonished!
The awe-inspiring view is still composed by a bright blue sky, clouds and the Urubamba River snaking around colossal mountains covered with lush vegetation. What a gift from our mother nature!
- Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
- Duration – The round trip can take between 2.5 to 3 hours in average.
- Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 3,000masl, while the climb itself is 600m.
Machu Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:
- The first session: from 7am to 8am
- The second session: from 9am to 10am
Additional Free Tours
If you are traveling in Peru with your family or friends and there are 4 or more people in your group and by booking our inca trail tours you automatically get one of our additional tours for free. You may pick whichever one you like from the list below. Please note that we do not include the entrance fees for these, but we do include the transportation and a professional tour guide.
Do not worry single travelers! If you join us in our Inca trail tours, you will also get an special discounts on any of our additional tours.
- South Valley Tour
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Cusco City Tour
Important Info
Important Information
We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!
Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka Trail Explorer logo. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.
The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the 5 das premium Inca trail. your guide will explain everything concerning the Inca trail tours in detail. This includes the 4-days Inca trail schedule and a few tips on how to make the Inca trail easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings and it will be carried by our porters.
Do I need to hire an extra porter? and how much it cost?
The Inca trail is quite challenging and even more if you decide to carry all your belonging by yourself. In order to have fun and enjoy better this trip, we highly recommend you to hire an extra porter who can carry part of your hiking gear up to 8kl or 15lib. The night before the trek we will provide you a duffel bag where you can pack your sleeping bag, air mat and some extra clothes for the trip. Our premium Inca trail includes the extra porter.
How big needs to be my daypack?
If you hired your extra porter, then you only need to bring a small daypack (25 to 30 Lts max). Big enough to pack you rain gear, snack, water, camera, fleece jacket and some small items that you might need for the day trek. Remember, you will have access to your duffel bag every day at the camping place and sometimes at the lunch place.
Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.
How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com
Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.
Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you booked your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You also can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.
How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you start the Inca trail tour, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!
What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with responsable retaurants and cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.
- Vegan (no meat or animal products)
- Vegetarian (no meat products)
- Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).
Packing List
Premium Inca Trail Tours – Packing List
Essential
- Hiking poles with rubber tips
- Hiking boots with ankles support
- A head lamp
In Your Duffle Bag
Remember you are packing for 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt.
- 3 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 3 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 fleece jacket
- Warm, down jacket (This trek includes 2 cold nights of camping)
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you may want to bring something a little bigger.
- Battery Charger: There are no places to plug in any electronics on the trek.
- Sleeping bag: We recommend down bags that are suitable for at least -10°C.
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand-sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
In your Daypacks
We always recommend bringing a small daypack because any bag larger than 25L will not be allowed inside Machu Picchu. If you have one that is larger, you will need to store it outside of the citadel gates.
- Passport Valid
- GREEN ISIC card if you booked as a student
- The Immigration Card given to you on the plane as you entered Peru
- Water: You get water supply from us at each meal.
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Woolhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Hand-sanitizer
- First-aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
