The classic Inca Trail route is a four-day itinerary, but for those with limited time we offer a three-day program some six kilometres shorter and accessed by train rather than by road.
The trail route lies within the 32,592 hectare Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which was created by the government in 1981 to protect the natural beauty and the archaeological sites of this extraordinary area.
This spectacular trail runs from high mountains down to cloud forest, passing through a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and birdlife. The route is also studded with archaeological sites which lead the visitor to the remains of Machu Picchu itself.
Day 1: Cusco / Km.88 (Qoriwayrachina)
We leave Cusco on the early morning train from Cusco or the village station of Ollantaytambo. After a spectacular journey from the Urubamba Valley down into tropical forests we will disembark at Km.88 on the rail line from Cusco. Our trek begins here. After crossing the Urubamba River we follow the left bank of the Urubamba River before ascending to the Inca ruins of Llactapata (2,565 metres/7,505 feet). From the ruins we will continue our hike as far as the village of Huayllabamba (2,743 metres/8,997 feet), where we will have lunch. From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the Inca Trail’s first pass, where we will make our first camp.
Day 2: Llulluchapampa / Warmiwanusca / Pacamayu / Runkuracay / Sayacmarca / Phuyupatamarca
From Llulluchapampa we climb to the highest pass on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain (Warmiwañuska Pass 4050 metres/13,280 feet) after which we will descend to the Pacaymayo River. From here the trail now climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay, from where we will be able to see both the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the restored ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone stairway to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, where we will camp for the night.
Day 3: Phuyupatamarca / Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu
From Phuyupatamarca (3,700 metres/12,136 feet) we hike to the beautiful Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,699 metres/8,853 feet). After visiting these fascinating ruins we will hike along a section of the trail renowned for its subtropical flora and fauna for about two hours, arriving at Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the city we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place both independently and in the company of our guide.
Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon, or overnight in a hotel near Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail tour Includes:
- Train to the trailhead and return to Cusco from Machu Picchu by train.
- Meals: From the first lunch to last breakfast.
- English-speaking trekking guide.
- Camping services; camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
- All group camping equipment; double tents and Thermarest air mattress; kitchen; dining tent; toilet tent.
- All the trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
- First-aid kit.
Inca trail tour Not included:
- Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag.
We recommend that you bring the
following personal equipment:
- A good sleeping bag (although we have sleeping bags for hire on request).
- Day pack for daily personal items and camera.
- Small duffel bag for the majority of your gear. (If you do not have one, then we will provide one for you).
- Warm jacket for the evenings, wool sweaters, long pants, light cotton shirt and T-shirts, hat with brim, wool or flannel shirt.
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken in).
- Rain jacket or rain poncho, sun block, insect repellent.
- Canteen or plastic water bottle.
- Flashlight.
- Binoculars (for bird watching), camera and film.
Optional:
Swimwear and towel (for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes).
