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4 days / 3 nights
Peru's best known hike is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43km trek leading to the Sacred Machu Picchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machu Picchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.
Regular basis from 6 passengers and more.
Private services available
Day 1: Cusco - Wayllabamba
Between 4.00 and 4.30am, we will pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We will then drive to Piskacuchu
(2,700 masl), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco - Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we
will cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley.
Following the trail along a flat terrain, we will arrive in Miskay (2,800 masl), to then ascend and finally see, from
the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2,750 masl). We will continue trekking along the valley
created by the Kusichaca river, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the
Wayllabamba village (3,000 masl). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite
side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5,832 meters above sea level. Not to mention
the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo
We will wake up at around 6.00am, and after breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part
of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9km. Along this climb, the landscape
changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the
Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), we will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few
plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for
many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled
Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies,
chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after
the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 masl), where we will camp after approximately 6 hours of
hiking.
Day 3: Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites
that we will visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we will climb to the second pass, the Abra de
Runkurakay (3,970 masl). Half way up, we will visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located
at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After
going over the pass, we will descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at
Sayamarca (3,624 masl). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different
levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we will arrive
at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 masl). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the
Incas' ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in
perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive
at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best
preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a
mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means "town over the clouds". From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred
complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and
the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna
Day 4: Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu
On this fourth and last day we will get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or The
Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From
this fabulous spot, we will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we will descend
into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the "House of the
Guardians". We will then descend to the control point where we will register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We
will immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then
have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of
Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or you can visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca
bridge. In the afternoon, we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in
the thermal baths. From here we will take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.
Departure and arrival times are approximate.
Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail.
What's included
What is not included
What you need to bring and carry
Optional services for hire
An extra porter to carry your personal items - please enquire for details. A porter can carry up to 9kg.
An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Also, if you wish to visit Machu Picchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee will be charged.
Please enquire for prices.