Cusco and Inca Trail
TRIP REVIEW
Day 1: Cusco
Optional ToursÂ
Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo
Day 3: Inca TrailÂ
Day 4:Â Inca TrailÂ
Day 5: Inca TrailÂ
Day 6:Â Inca Trail - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 7: Cusco
Optional Tours
TOURS INCLUDED
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Craft Market and Archaeological Complex of Pisac and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex (Sacred Valley)
Day 3:Â Inca Trail 4D/3N
Day 6: Machu Picchu
DAY 1: CUSCO
Check in at the hotel reserved for you
This day will be free, you can take advantage of it to rest a bit and then walk through the stone streets of the beautiful historic center, or you can also take a City tour, this tour is optional and then in the evening you can walk through the historic center located a few steps from the hotel.
Accommodation: Taypikala Hotel (or Similar)
Optional tours (Day 1)
DAY 2: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO
Breakfast in the hotel.
Tour Beginning:Â Between 7:30 am â 8:00 am
In this occasion, our guide will look for you at your hotel to take you to the tourist bus that will take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first visit stop will be the Mirador of Taray for spectacular views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley then we will continue to the Archaeological Complex of Pisac and see the agricultural terraces, Inca cemeteries and royal buildings. Then the City of Pisac and its famous Handicraft Market where we will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of their inhabitants; after this visit we will continue our trip to the city of Urubamba where we will enjoy our lunch in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, after this we will continue our trip to the Magnificent Inca Archaeological Center of Ollantaytambo built to guard the entrance to Machu Picchu and to protect the Incas from possible invasions. We will visit its ruins, terraces, temples and cobbled city of the time, there we can appreciate splendid views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
After this last visit we will go to our hotel in this beautiful and historic town of Ollantaytambo where we will spend the night.
We can take advantage of the afternoon and night to walk through its beautiful stone streets where it was once a great Inca center.
Accommodation: Samanapaq Hotel (or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch
DAY 3: INCA TRAIL
We will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo between 6:30 to 7 AM. These times will be confirmed at your briefing, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying. We will take you to the Porter House which is located in Ollantaytambo after a delicious breakfast prepared by your cook, your guide will introduce you to your team of porters.
Then we will drive to Km 82, we will pass through the first control point of the Inca Trail to begin our walk. Please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail. The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy, as we will go to our first Inca site. Patallacta is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu.
From Patallacta we start another 2 hours walk to our lunch point. After lunch, we will walk for another 2 hours until we reach the first night's camp in Ayapata (3,300 meters). In this last section, we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drinks, snacks or essential items you have forgotten, like batteries, you can do it here. We will arrive at our camp at 5:00 PM. After settling in for a bit, you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chef, and guide. At 7:30 PM your dinner will be ready, after that you can have a well-deserved rest.
Hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6 - 7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3,300 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Hiking difficulty: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windy
Inca sites to see / visit: Ccanabamba & Llactapata (Patallacta)
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 4: INCA TRAIL
Its porters will wake you up early with a cup of coca tea to prepare you for the day. We will have an early start as it will be our longest day. We will hike for approximately 4 hours to the highest pass of the hike, Dead Womanâs Pass (4,215 meters / 13,829 feet). Upon reaching the pass, we will stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley â Hidden River). It is another hour and a half down the valley side to our lunch spot, where you will have the opportunity to refill your water bottles. After lunch, we begin to ascend again to the second step of the hike. It is 2 hours over the pass where we will stop at a small Inca site called Runcu Raccay and we will see two huge waterfalls on the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it is another hour of walking down to reach the magnificent Inca site called Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible town)
We will stop here to rest and take a quick tour. Afterwards, we will be able to see the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It's just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second Chaquicocha campsite (Lago Seco, 3,600 meters). After dinner, if you're not too exhausted, we can do some star gazes, and point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent southern hemisphere sky, away from all artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!
Hiking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3,600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Hiking difficulty: Challenging, Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy
Inca sites to see/visit: Runkuraccay & Sayacmarca
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 5: INCA TRAIL
Congratulations! We completed day 2, from this day on the road is easier, waking up at 6:30 am to begin what commonly feels like the most beautiful day of the entire Inca Trail. We walk for 2 hours along what we like to call the ÂŤInca planeÂť (gradual slopes) and we begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk, we will have the opportunity to see the Salkantay mountain, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca floors, we begin to make our way to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters) from where we will have great views of the Urubamba River. Through the valley, we get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the site itself is still hidden. From Phuyupatamarka it is a 3 hour walk up a flight of steps to our last camp, near WiĂąay Wayna (Forever Young). WiĂąay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite due to its proximity to Machu Picchu. During the descent, we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00 PM for lunch.
Then we will relax so that you are ready for your last day in Machu Picchu. Around 4:30 PM your guide will give you a brief orientation, and you will visit the Inca ruins of WiĂąay Wayna for an hour and a half. Your guide will explain the importance of the site and combine all the information given during the walk. In this way you will be fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day. We like to pamper our guests while we enjoy our last banquet with the porters and chefs. It is an Inca Trail tradition to organize an evening ceremony to introduce the team to the tourists once again. This is to thank them for the great job they have done (if you want to tip them then you can do so right now). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time to get up in the early hours of the morning to reach Machu Picchu at sunrise in the hope that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Hiking distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2,600 meters (high) above sea level (cold weather)
Hiking difficulty: Challenging, Easy day - All downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid
Inca sites to see/visit : Phuyupatamarca, Intipata & WiĂąay Wayna
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 6: INCA TRAIL - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Wake up time is 3:30 AM. We will have breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when the gates open at 5:30 AM. We say goodbye to our team of porters and chef and then it is "Forward" to Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku). From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its splendor. We will arrive at Puerta del Sol at 6:30 am, and then it is only an hour's walk to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we walk and get closer to Machu Picchu, the views of the city get better! Around 7:40 AM we will arrive at the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour private guided tour. After the tour, you will be given your bus tickets to take your way to Aguas Calientes, and you will have plenty of free time to explore the city on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountains â Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be arranged in advance).
Your guide will offer to meet you in the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch at a local restaurant. This is optional and is not included. At lunch your guide will hand out the train tickets, so if you decide to skip, please coordinate this with your guide to get these tickets before dropping you off at Machu Picchu. Unless you have coordinated a higher category train, we will book the Expedition class train that leaves Aguas Calientes at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. Please make sure you are on the platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This will be a 2 hour train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Depending on the train schedule), where a company driver will meet you and take you back to the city on our bus, then drop you off at your hotel.
Hiking distance: 3.1 miles / 5 km
Hiking difficulty: Moderate, The most magical and exciting day (Early start at 3.30 AM)
Area: Subtropical and high cloud forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring plenty of water)
Inca sites to see/visit : Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Taypikala Hotel (or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 7: CUSCO
Breakfast in the hotel.
This is the end of the tour, we wish you a happy return trip; If you want to extend your trip, we can help you with the arrangements you want. If you want to book a taxi to the airport, we can help you coordinate it.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional tours (Day 7)
US$ 0 Price per person
AVAILABILITY FORM
US$ 0 Price per person
Include:
- 3 Nights in 3 star accommodation with breakfast included (The price of the tour is based on a double / Twin room, if you want a single room, it will have an extra price)
- 3 Nights in tents, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners included in the Inca trail
- Buffet Lunch in Sacred Valley Tour
- All tickets tours, Permits for the Inca Trail and Expedition class tourist train (If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will have an extra cost per person).
- All transportation for the tours.
- A bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Â
- Transportation from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Inca Trail: Professional Guides, Permit to enter the Inca Trail, ticket to Machu Picchu, Briefing the night before your trek, a duffel bag, it not exceed 7 kg (you must include in this bag 4kg of clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat), a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag, Trekking Chef and Food, Water from the first lunch to the last breakfast (Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail) You need to bring your own water bottles and or camelback, The best equipment on the market including Eureka Timberline 4 person tents shared by only 2, Single tents are available ($30 US), We have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals, All dining equipment including chairs and dishes are provided, Every client will receive a pillow for sleeping and foam sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground, All our guides are trained first aid and all carry first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks, Satellite Phones for any emergency, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, a rain poncho and we provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
- Professional guides in Spanish and English
- Excursion: Sacred Valley Tour: Craft Market and Archaeological Complex of Pisac and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex (Sacred Valley)
- Excursion: Machu Picchu Tour
- Excursion: Inca TrailÂ
- Tour tax
Not include:
- Meals not included in itineraries
- Optional tours (these are priced extra)
- Sleeping Bag (obligatory to sleep), Inflatable Air Mattress and Walking Sticks (optional). If you donât want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent. Sleeping Bag: US$ 20, Inflatable Air Mattress: US$15 and Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
- Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
- Tips
Recommendations:
ESSENTIALS - INCA TRAIL
-
Passport (if booked with old passport, bring both passports)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged â but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking waterproof boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL BAG - INCA TRAIL
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Waterproof Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean â might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
TOILETRIES - INCA TRAIL
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS - INCA TRAIL
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we wonât have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (Cell phone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
FOR YOUR TOUR IN GENERAL
-
Don't forget Documents, passports, flight Tickets among others
- Sunblock, hat or cap and glasses to cover from the sun
- For Lima, Light cotton clothes, temperatures are not very cold
- For Cusco, sneakers or waterproof boots, comfortable for long walks. In rainy season it is necessary to have 2 pairs of sneakers in case one gets wet.
- For Cusco, Umbrella or raincoat for rain season from November to march, you can buy it in Cusco
- For Cusco, warm clothes, jackets and pants for the cold, comfortable for long walks for night and Light cotton clothes, probably the sun appears for the day
- Medications for altitude sickness. Not all organisms are the same, so it is preferable that you take medications that help you control the headache
- Camera, cell phone, batteries, chargers, extra memories
Additional information:
BRIEFINGS
Briefings are coordinate with a member of the team, it takes approximately 30 -45 minutes long, and where you will receive your duffel bags.
DUFFEL BAGS
You will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. Your porters will carry them and have them returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.
Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7 kg. Remember 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The remaining 3 kg will be for your sleeping bag and pad.
RETURNING TO CUSCO
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25-minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day.
- You will take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours - Once you arrive to the train station, look for a gentleman wearing green with the Team sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco
* Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
* Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes - Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.
HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM. Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows â from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day and 7 Day Inca Trail Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.
HEALTH CONCERNS
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physicianâs advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Our Tour Agency will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
WEATHER
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
Itâs also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
ALTITUDE
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Our guides are trained to help you get through it.
