Tour Overview
The Inca emperor Pachacuti built a mighty royal highway to link his capital Cusco to his secluded sacred center at Machu Picchu, taking an awe-inspiring route over high mountain passes. He followed the way of the Apus, the snow peaks sacred to the Incas which dominate the scenery, vanishing and re-appearing around curves and over ridges as we follow this most astounding of treks. At points along the way Pachacuti built small, exquisite settlements clustered upon jagged outcrops, always with sweeping views of the stunning landscape.
Amazingly, all of this survived the Spanish conquest and the hundreds of years of abandonment and neglect that followed. Today the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Peruvian government protected reserve of immense archaeological and environmental importance. For this spectacular route is both a journey through Inca history and a dazzling sample of Peru’s incredible biodiversity.
Take this challenging trek across high, treeless passes up to 4,200m (13,776ft), and down through multi-layered zones of cloud-forest, culminating at the threshold of the Sun Gate where we face the final unforgettable view down to Machu Picchu and the Urubamba river.
Day 01: Lima, Peru
Upon arrival in Lima, you are met for private transfer to your hotel for check-in. It is a city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures. Lima has decaying colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar; melancholy cloudy winters and warm breezy summers; impoverished urban sprawl and quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine.
Melia Hotel
Day 02: Lima-Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. NOTE: Domestic flight Lima-Cusco is not included in land price. Upon arrival in Cusco, you are met for private transfer to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon, enjoy a private half-day tour of Cusco with your local guide. Visit the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, La Compania (a beautiful church of fine carving and gold leaf taking nearly 100 years to complete) - as well as a variety of old-colonial style buildings.
Breakfast
Novotel
Day 03: Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Cusco. Optional excursions to the Sacred Valley (rafting, mountain biking, and visits to markets, villages or ruins) may be arranged.
Breakfast
Novotel
Day 04: Cusco - Inca Trail (MONDAY and WEDNESDAY DEPARTURES)
Breakfast at the hotel. A spectacular drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to Chillca, our trailhead. Crossing a footbridge, we take an undulating trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views to the snows of Mt. Verónica, with the turbulent Urubamba River on our right. We pause on a bluff high above the Cusichaca valley for a view of the imposing sculpted terraces of Llaqtapata, a massive Inca farming complex. Then we turn south and follow this side valley upstream to the village of Huayllabamba, where we make camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Huayllabamba Camp
Day 05: Inca Trail
From Huayllabamba we begin a steeper ascent, climbing the Llullucha valley along a stream that rushes through enchanted native unca woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. Here a stretch of open trail climbs beneath mighty crags to our first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft). From Warmiwañusca we can look back to the spectacular snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif, and ahead to a distant view of tomorrow’s trail to the second pass. Descending a stepped stone trail we encounter our campsite in a clearing of the forested Pacamayo valley.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pacaymayo Camp
Day 06: Inca Trail
We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend again to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms, overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town)..
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Phuyupatamarca Camp
Day 07: Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Day 08: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Return to Machu Picchu by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, return shuttle/walk to Aguas Calientes train station to board your return train to Cusco. You are met for transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast
Novotel
Day 09: Cusco - Depart
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the Cusco airport for your departure.
Breakfast
Departure Dates
Set departures for the Inca Trail hike are Mondays and Wednesdays between March and November.
Prices
2009
$2695 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$2595 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$4195 solo traveler
$750 single room supplemen
Inclusions:
Airport Assistance
Private airport-hotel-airport transfers in Lima and Cusco
1 night accommodation at Hotel Meliá, Lima (standard room)
3 nights accommodation at Novotel, Cusco (standard room)
3 nights camping along the Inca trail (3-person expedition tent)
1 night at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes (standard room)
Meals mentioned on the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Private City tour in Cusco including tourist tickets
Entrance fees
Services of local English-speaking guides for sightseeing as indicated
Tourist class train ticket from: Aguas Calientes-Cusco
Duffel bags for your clients (luggage restriction: 10 kilos per person for the trail)
Fixed departure Inca trail (MONDAY and WEDNESDAY DEPARTURES) including non-refundable trail permit ($100 included in land price) – guides, porters, full board
Exclusions:
International airfare, airport and departure taxes
Domestic Airfares Lima-Cusco-Lima
Telephone, drinks and items of a personal nature
Any item not listed as an inclusion
Travel Insurance
Visa Fees (if required)
Holiday surcharges
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Regulations for the Inca trail:
The Inca trail is located inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. As it is a protected area there are a number of regulations that include:
500 persons are permitted to enter to the Inca Trail per day. This includes visitors, porters, cooks, and guides. It is therefore essential to make the Inca Trail reservations well in advance. Each reservation must include complete names, nationality, date of birth, passport number and the program (5, 4 or 2 days) that will be taken.
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Options & Upgrades
ALTERNATE HIKING OPTIONS:
The Weavers’ Way: Lares to Patacancha and Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (4 days / 3 nights) This program allows you to visit interesting places like Lares and the andean communities of Patacancha and Willoq before arrive to Ollantaytambo where you will spend a night and then takes the train to visit Machu Picchu.
Choquequirau. (5 days / 4 nights) This trek will allow you to visit the canyon of the Apurimac river where you will discover Choquequirau that means "Cradle of Gold", an amazing archaeological site made by the Incas
Choquequirau & Machu Picchu (12 days / 11 nights)
A breathtaking trek through some of the most inaccessible valleys and incredible mountain sceneary beginning and ending with two of the most spectacular and enigmatic Inca archeological sites.
Beyond the Inca Trail : Cusco-Mollepata-Salcantay-Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. (8 days / 7 nights) During this trek you will admire a diverse highlights that include : beautiful landscapes and snow-capped peaks (Mt Salcantay), Andean farms, and the famous Inca remains of Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna located in the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Salcantay to Machu Picchu. (5 days / 4 nights)
During this trek you will admire a diverse highlights that include : beautiful landscapes and snow-capped peaks (Mt Salcantay), Andean farms and some Inca remains finishing in Qente. Then you will catch the train to visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Quarry Trail. (4 days / 3 nights)
From the Sacred Valley to the Inca quarries of Cachicata and Machu Picchu During this cultural trek you will observe astonishing variety of scenery and ecological zones, sow-capped peaks, archaeological remains, the Inca quarries of Cachicata finishing in Machu Picchu.
Please call an iExplore adventure consultant for a custom quote.
Trip Information
FLORA AND FAUNA
The Machu Picchu area and its surroundings are forested, tropical and rainy. It is found in the middle of steeply sloped mountains and flanked by a profound canyon that Urubamba river forms. And within its boundaries a diverse fauna and fauna can be seen, including:
· Bobcat, puma and the endangered spectacled bear; a wide variety of reptiles and insects with more than 700 species of butterflies and 415 species of birds including hummingbirds, ducks, eagles, parrots, quetzals, toucans, manakins, tanagers, etc., and more than 190 species of orchids
WEATHER
Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. Dry season runs from May to October or November (the best time for this amazing trek); the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, in the forested fringes of the Amazon basin where Machu Picchu lies, showers are not uncommon at any time of year. Therefore rain pants and jacket are essential gear that should always be in your daypack. Daytime temperatures can vary greatly, from about 10ºC/50ºF to 28ºC/82ºF with nighttime temperatures from 10ºC/50ºF down to around 0ºC/32ºF, though seldom much lower.
INCA TRAIL INCLUSIONS
Transportation, a pre-departure information meeting and valuable Inca Trail map, overnight in new The North face tents including comfortable sleeping pads, a duffle bag to store your luggage during the trek (please return upon your arrival in Cusco.) Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (US$60.00) and train ticket to Cusco (Vista dome), meals according to the itinerary and a last lunch in a restaurant before returning to Cusco, Bottled water to refill your canteen.
STAFF
The accompanying staff includes bilingual guide on the trek and in Machu Picchu equipped with a first aid kit, an oxygen tank, and excellent cartographies, porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear.
NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear or items.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
In each booking please indicate the following information: Complete name, gender, age and date of birth [IMPORTANT: the names provided must be the same as shown on passport.]
Passport number and Nationality
Occupation
Any special food requirements (vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other)
Any special medical requirements
Any special interest (birds, plants, stars, etc)
PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING
One or two days before departure our representative in Cusco will provide information and answer any questions you have about the Inca trail
WHAT TO BRING
A small day pack to carry your sunglasses, sun hat, sun and insect lotion, camera, water bottle, a wind jacket and rain gear, sleeping bag, one complete change of clothing per day (trousers, socks, T-shirts, and underwear), sweater and jacket for cool days or nights, gloves and winter hat recommended, warm sweat pants for evening around camp and in tent, trekking shoes (please break them in well ahead of time), a pair of sneakers to hang out around camp, and a pair of flip flops if you choose to take a shower on the last night in Wiñayhuaina, Coramina (Glucose), original passport, flashlight and batteries, personal toiletries and medications, medium sized towel, Peruvian currency (soles) for tips and small purchases along the way (cold colas, shower fee for last night in Wiñay Wayna, etc), camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended), with enough charge/battery power for the duration of the hike, Sleeping bag
SLEEPING BAGS
Our Peru office rents high quality The North Face sleeping bags (model: Snow Shoe - Temp rating 0F/ -18 C ) from $28 per person for the 4 day trek and $35 per person for the 5 day trek. Service includes a clean sleeping bag liner for the trek program. Please inform us on time to reserve one of them for you. For private departures, sleeping bags are included at no cost.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before the start of the trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
Train/exercise before you go.
Altitude at the Inca Trail: Minimum 2430m / Maximum 4200m
Keep hydrated, drink plenty of water that also helps to acclimatize to the altitude
The paving on the trail is irregular, please trek with caution.
The maximum baggage allowance per person: 20 pounds/10 kilograms which you store in the duffle bag provided
The booking system managed by the UGM (Management office for Machu Picchu Sanctuary) is complicated and allows only 500 people on the trail including tourists, guides, porters and cooks. It is important to make the booking as soon as possible.
No refunds for any unused part of the tour or entrance fee purchased in advanced.
Entrance fees are non-transferable (it is prohibited by law.)
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated.
All trash produced during the trek must be carried out.
If you acquire a new passport after you have reserved an Inca Trail permit, please inform us before arrival so that we can make the necessary arrangements with the UGM.
PORTERS
Every person plays an important role during the trek. The porters, who live in the nearby communities of Willoq, Patacancha and Ocongate, are not an exception. Your guide will introduce you the porters formally, please tell them a little bit about yourselves. Tips for porters should be handed out during the last night all the trekkers and porters are together in a celebratory goodbye dinner. Tips for guides and other crew members are normally treated separately. Don’t overload your porter. Do not give your pack to a porter who already has a load. If he carries more than 25kg, not only is it bad for his health but the local agency will receive a substantial fine. Tip your porter directly, take adequate small change in order to tip porters individually, 30 soles per porter is a recommended minimum and it's best to deal separately with porters that carry individuals' bags.
