This is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world! The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive examples of the approximate 40000 kilometers of roads built by the Incas some 500 years ago! Inca road roads were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from south Colombia throughout Peru, Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile and the Northwest part of Argentina! The Inca Trail starts in a typical Andean region and finishes in a jungle region going through cloud forests, Inca tunnels, bridges and snow on the way!!.
Undertaking this trek is an opportunity to go back in time and live with the Incas for 5
indescribable days
Today we pick you up from your hotel at 5 am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometre 82) where the trail starts. On arrival at kilometre 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card. To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. This first day will be relatively easy – Inca flat. We will go to the Inca Fortress of (‘Huillca Raccay’) from where we will have great views. Then we will walk down to the vast Inca site – ‘Llactapata’ (sometimes called ‘Patallacta’) then we will continue to Hatunchaca where we will spend the night. (2620m/8595ft).
Today we will wake up at 7am and after breakfast we will start walking towards the village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft). Here we will take a fork-off the ‘beaten track’ in order to see the beautiful and least-visited sight on the trail, the Inca fort of ‘Paucarcancha’. After seeing this we will walk back down to Wayllabamba village for lunch. We will finally take a 3-4 hour walk uphill (800m/2624ft) to get Huarmihuañusca/’Dead Woman’s Pass’. And then reach our second campsite Pacaymayo (3800m/12467ft) – 2 hours from highest point on the inca trail
This day will be our longest day and go over the 2 highest passes on the trail. After breakfast we will continue our walk uphill from the previous day to reach Abra de Runcu Raccay Pass'(4000m/13020ft) – This is followed by an ascent to the circular Inca fortress of ‘Runkurakay’,. After this, we will walk down to the valley and reach Chaquicocha where we will have lunch. and then walk gently flat visiting the lovely Inca site of ‘Sayacmarca’ (‘High Rising Town’). Our campsite is Phuyupatamarca (3680m/12073ft).
Today will be the most extraordinary day of the trek. We will visit lots of Inca sites along the way; ‘Phuyupatamarka’, ‘Intipata’ (‘Sun Site’) and the most beautiful on the trail ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Finally we will see Machu Picchu! We will pass through the ancient Inca site before arriving at our hotel which is down in the valley of Machu Picchu. We will have an early night in order to prepare ourselves to properly explore the mysterious city tomorrow!
You can also go to the thermal springs in this town – a real treat after finishing the trail!
We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (20-minute ride) in order to catch the sunrise over this magnificent city. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) will be given by your guide and after this you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 15:30 and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 20.00. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
Our standard 5 Day Inca Trail includes your personal porter to carry up to 7kg of your belongings and a ** star hotel called Inti Punku Inn (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Town )
We can upgrade your hotel to one of the below for the additional fee listed:
Waman Hotel ***
+$35 per person (based on 2) or +$100 for a single room.
La Cabaña Hotel ***
+$40 per person (based on 2) or +$110 for a single room.
El Mapi ****
+$80 per person (based on 2) or +$170 for a single room.
Sleeping Bag (4 season) – $25 (Maximum size 1.95m / 6´4″)
Pair of Walking poles – $20
Inflatable Sleeping Pad (3 inches/7 cm) – $20
What else to say about this beautiful, historic and amazing place. We hiked up the Wayna piccu to get an overlook on the maccu piccu and where lucky. It was absolutely breathtaking!
Our trip in May was my second to Cusco and the first one for my friend. I already had in mind to visit WaynaPicchu since I couldn’t do it in my first trip (my kids were too small for such a hike) and it was more than I expected. Maybe it was the anticipation, or maybe it was the hour hike it took to get there…
It was an awesome climb! And it was Not near as physically challenging as the four day Inca Trail. Looks intimidating but it was fairly safe for a 60+ year old (that is in good physical shape). It took my wife & I about 30 to 40 minutes to climb. It had steel cable handrails along the mountain side for many parts of the climb. You should be acclimated to the elevation prior to climbing. And train on hikes and/or stair master. Spectacular views. Worth the climb and price.
