The most important hike in the world, the Inca Trail to Machupicchu is one of the attractions which brings together people from all over the world is noted for its vast ecological diversity and well preserved archaeological sites. Its importance is due to the cultural and natural variety that it presents; the Inca Trail will show us beautiful archaeological sites full of history, amazing landscapes surrounded by flora and fauna that make it even more impressive, and after three days of hiking our reward will be to appreciate one of the wonders of the world in all its splendor «MachuPicchu». Is important to check the availability and book your Inca Trail spot in advance.
But if you did not get a space for the date you wanted to do the long Inca Trail or you do not have enough time or have a low budget, we gladly offer you the Short Inca Trail 2Days 1 Nhoght, which also includes a day hike, making the visit of the wonder of the world on the second day. We are sure you will choose the best option for you and as always we will be there to provide you with the best experiences with our guides, chefs and our support staff (Porters), with the sole purpose of making your trip unforgettable.
Our first day starts very early, we will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am to go to Km 82, where the adventure begins. During the 2 hours drive we will cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a valley very famous for being the main producer of Corn (Maize) in the Cusco region, as well as for housing imposing palaces and constructions from the Inca period. On the way, we will stop for 20 minutes in the village of Ollantaytambo, where we will meet the rest of the team (porters).
Once we arrive at Km. 82, we will get things ready to start the Inca Trail hike, as this is the final point where we will be accompanied by the transport. After presenting the necessary permits (the Classic Inca Trail entrance to Machupicchu) and your original passports, we will begin the trek to Machupicchu. During the first 3 hours of hiking, we will observe the classic Andean landscape of a variety of flora and fauna until we reach the archaeological complex of Llactapata, where we will have an informative explanation about the function of the complex in Inca times for approximately 1 hour, after that we will have lunch and then continue another 2 hours of hiking until Wayllabamba our first campsite (16:00/tents).
Altitude at the beginning: 2250 masl / 9,022 ft
Altitude at the ending: 3000 masl / 9,842 ft
Walking time and distance: 5-6 hours / 12 km.
Campsite: Wayllabamba
The second day of the Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights, will be the hardest and most exhausting, but at the same time will be a magnificent journey as we will observe towering snowy peaks and unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andean. We will wake up at 6:00 am and after a healthy and high-protein breakfast, we will begin the trek. The first 4 hours are spent climbing to the Abra of Warmiwañusca or the «Death Woman Pass» (4215 m or 14,000 ft). Here we will have enough time to rest and get wonderful pictures of the different mountains and surroundings. The last 2 hours of trekking will be downhill on a stone way Inca trail until we reach Pacaymayo, our second campsite.
Altitude at the beginning: 3,000 masl / 9,842 ft
Altitude at the ending: 3,800 masl / 12,467 ft
Walking time and distance: 7 – 8 hours / 13 km – 8 miles approx.
Campsite: Pacaymayo
This day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be truly magnificent as you will have the opportunity to see 4 Inca constructions that will simply leave you in awe and all this while walking surrounded by a beautiful and magical landscape. We wake up at 6:00 a.m. to continue our hike along the Inca Trail, after a healthy and energetic breakfast, we will begin the adventure. The first 2 hours will be uphill to the archaeological site of Runcuracay, located at 3700 masl – 12,139 feet. After a guided tour we will continue walking for about 2 more hours until we reach the archaeological site of Sayacmarca, then we will continue for 15 minutes more until Chaquiicocha, where we will have lunch and rest. We will keep going until we reach Phuyupatamarca where we will have a guided tour and then continue walking to our last camping place called Wiñayhuayna for the last night on the Inca Trail. On this last day in the afternoon/evening, we are going to say goodbye to the whole team (porters and cooks) where we will thank them for their services since they will not be able to accompany us at the end of the Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Wiñaywayna (2650 masl – 8,694 ft).
Altitude at the beginning: 3,800 masl / 12,467 ft
Altitude at the ending: 2,650 masl / 8,694 ft
Walking time and distance: 10 hours / 15 km – 9.32 miles approx.
Campsite: Wiñayhuayna
The last day of the Inca Trail will undoubtedly be the most fascinating for you as you will be able to see Machu Picchu in all its splendor from the Sun Gate. We will wake up at 3:00 a.m. to begin our journey along the Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu, and after breakfast, begin the hike to the Sun Gate, this hike will be uphill for about 2 hours until we reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate) from where you will appreciate Machu Picchu as it is illuminated by the first rays of the sun. At the Sun Gate, we will stay about 1 hour and then continue downhill to Machupicchu.
In Machupicchu, we will have a guided tour of approximately by 2 – 3 hours, we will visit the highlights of the complex such as the temple of the sun, the temple of the three windows, the Intihuatana, the temple of the condor, and also the house of the Inca. After that, we descend by bus or walk to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon we board the train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train station, from where you will be transported by tourist bus for an hour and a half to Cusco as agreed upon in our Inca Trail reservation.
Altitude at the beginning: 2,600 masl / 8,694 ft
Altitude at the ending: 2,400 masl / 7,874 ft
Walking time and distance: 2 – 3 hours / 6 km – 3.72 miles approx.
Return: To Cusco by train.
4 Days and 3 Nights
IMPORTANT: During the trip, you will have to carry your personal belongings as well as a small mat that we will include and your sleeping bag which is not included, if you wish you can hire an extra porter who has the cost of USD 150 for the whole tour and can be shared between 2, so you only have to take a small backpack with your necessary things for each day, while we will provide a large backpack to load the porter who can only load 15 kilos maximum as decreed by the Law of the carrier.
| Number of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US $1589.00 |
| 2 People | US $1038.00 |
| 3 People | US $862.00 |
| 4 People | US $762.00 |
| 5 People | US $710.00 |
To receive the discount for children, you must send us a copy of the child’s passport.
Depending on your level of physical fitness, the hike can be strenuous. If you would like to reduce the load you have to carry, you can hire an Extra Porter to carry your belongings. You can hire a Porter to carry 8 kg (18 lb) for $100, or 15 kg (33 lb) for $180. Included in this service are the porter’s salary, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, and his food. If you decide to use this service, the Porter will carry your packs until we reach Aguas Calientes. You must reserve your extra Porter at the same time you reserve the trip because the extra porter is counted as part of the 500-person limit on the trail.
If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, there is an additional fee of $70 per person for us to buy your entrance ticket. Spaces are limited, so please let us know when booking whether you would like to hike Huayna Picchu, and we will reserve it for you.
After hiking for 4 days, some people prefer to spend the 4th night in Aguas Calientes instead of returning to Cusco right away. This can give you more time to enjoy the ruins of Machu Picchu, relax in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, and in general not have to worry about the time. This option is also good for those who want to climb Huayna Picchu but want to have some time to rest after the hike, so you can return to Machu Picchu the next day to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. Please contact us at info@andeanperutreks.com for more information about options and prices.
If you would like to rent a sleeping bag from us, the price is USD 25 per person in total for this 4-day hike.
We recommend taking trekking poles on the hike especially when hiking downhill. If you would like to rent a pair for the whole hike, the price is USD 15 per person.
Our price includes a return train ticket on the Expedition train, however, if you would like to upgrade to the Vistadome train the price is an additional USD 35 per person.
