The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
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- Location:Cusco, Peru
- Duration:4 days (approx.)
- TOUR Code:5243TRAIL
The Inca Trail, known as one of the most sacred pilgrimages around the world, consists of a 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. This spiritual journey will help you understand the culture of the Incas and the archeological legacy they left behind. Put on your walking shoes and challenge yourself to the sacred route to Machu Picchu!
Highlights
- Guided 4-day trek to Machu Picchu
- Hike the famous Inca Trail
- Pass Inca ruins and cities and catch breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range
- All entrance fees, equipment and transportation included
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Take part in a once in a lifetime experience and join a spiritual hiking tour to one of the most sacred places in the world. Explore the Urubamba Valley on foot and walk the same trails used by the Inca people centuries ago.
Your guided hiking tour takes you through the hills and valleys of the renowned Andes mountain range. You'll trek past old Inca ruins and cities along the way and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, unique to this mountainous region. Your expert guide will share tales of the Inca people with you as well as keep you informed about the various mountains, animals and plants you pass along the way.
Although there is a cook with you on the trail and meals are provided, it is recommended that you bring snacks to keep your energy level high. All tents and sleeping equipment are included in the cost and there are porters who carry the equipment for you.
There is around one guide for every four participants and the guides set the pace depending on group fitness level. Groups can also be split into separate parties if pace level is different amongst the participants.
There is one porter for every two people and the porters carry all the camping equipment. They do not carry backpacks or personal belongings.
Although the entire Inca Trail is only 26 miles (43km) long, the altitude can pose a problem for many people and a strong fitness level is required.
Please see the itinerary field below for more detailed information.
Schedule Details
The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
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4 days (approx.)
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Additional Information
- 4-day trek to Machu Picchu
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Transfer in private bus to the start of the Inca Trail
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- Igloo tent (2 people in each 4-person tent)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- Cook and cooking equipment
- One porter for every two people (for camping equipment, not personal belongings / backpacks)
- All meals on the trail except lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- First-aid kit
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket (backpacker option) from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco
- Transfer from the train station back to hotel in Cusco
- Gratuities (optional)
- Extra porter (USD 80)
- Sleeping bag (USD 20)
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 180 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- The Inca Trail is likely to sell out and must be booked as far in advance as possible
- The Inca Trail is closed in February due to maintenance on the roads
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- If booked in advance, the cost for an additional porter is $80.00. If an additional porter is booked with short notice, the cost for an additional porter will be higher.
Distance: 7.45 miles / 12km
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude: 9,850 feet / 3,000m
Campsite: Huayllabamba
Early in the morning, you'll depart to Piskacuchu, a community located on the 82nd km (51 mile) of the Cusco - Machu Picchu railroad. From this point, you'll cross the bridge, walking along the shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain you'll arrive in Miskay before ascending to the tallest part of the overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta.
You'll continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about 5 hours until we reach the first campsite at the village of Wayllabamba. All along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 19,100 feet (5832m) above sea level. Also, you'll enjoy the diversity of wild flora and fauna found all along the valley.
Day 2
Distance: 6.83 miles / 11km
Estimated time: 6 - 7hours
Maximum altitude: 13,799 feet / 4,200m
Campsite: Pacaymayo
After breakfast, the adventure continues. Surrounded by vegetation, you'll ascend and be exposed to the different ecological levels of Peru. Upon arrival at Warmiwanusqa, the highest point of the trip at 13,800 feet (4200m), you'll see the majestic peak of the snow-covered mountain Huayanay which stands at 17,225 feet (5250m).
You'll pass domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this high altitude. Cross an area of cloud forest, home to a variety of birds (like hummingbirds and sparrows) and the Andean bear.
It is highly recommended that on this day, your day pack is well stocked with candy, chocolate and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with potential altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, you'll descend into the Pacaymayo valley, where you'll camp with a spectacular view of snow-covered mountains.
Day 3
Distance: 9.93 miles / 16km
Estimated time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 12,664 feet / 3,860m
Campsite: Winaymayna
Today, you'll visit the ruins of Runkurakay and enjoy spectacular views of the waterfalls on the snow-covered mountain Palcay. Trekking along, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Mountain Range of Vilcabamba and its most important peaks, Pumasillo, Sacsarayoc and Panta. From this area, you'll start a slow descent, crossing the ruins of Sayajmarca, which are still covered with vegetation. On the way down, you'll go through a tunnel formed by a soil slide adapted by the Incas. Keep going until you reach the ceremonial center of Phuyupatamarca where you'll stop for lunch. From here, descend to ruins of Winay Wayna and camp near a hostel for to enjoy hot shower.
Day 4
Distance: 2.48 miles / 4km
Estimated time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 8,923 feet / 2,720m
Early in the morning, you'll continue the adventure and head to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Here, enjoy an incomparable view of Machu Picchu which few people get to experience. You are now just 40 minutes away from the city. Descend to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of the sacred citadel. After, you'll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you'll catch the train for the return ride to Cusco. Terms and Conditions:
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Viator made booking the 4 day Inca Trail Trek a snap! A lot of hotels and tour companies in Peru ... Read more ›
Anonymous, December 2011
This trip was THE HIGHLIGHT of our 3 week trip in Peru. The scenery is unbelievable, the days ... Read more ›
Rodrigo E, November 2011
