AMAZING
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
4Days / 3Nights
The Inca Trail to Machupicchu is rated among the ten
best trekking trails in the world because of the exquisite beauty of it s
natural surroundings. These include different ecological areas from the high
Andean plains, to the cloud forest an impressive variety of altitudes, climates
and ecosystems .You will cross two high altitude passes(The highest being
WarmiwaNuska or Death Women pass at 4200m).
Following this ancient Inka Trail to Machupicchu you will be walking past
mysterious archaeological sites, half covered by jungle overgrowth, that looks
like you are discovering them for the first time, you will visit these ancient
settlements built in granite rock by the inkas all through the Inca Trail to
MachuPicchu and finally going through the Intu PunKu (Gates of the Sun) where a
magnificent view of the lost city of the Incas Machupicchu will be printed in
your mind for ever.
Inca Trail Departures Dates 2011: Every Day.
Very Important Note: The number of remaining spaces does not fall steadily,
rather it falls exponentially. That it to say that the number of spaces remains
between 300 and 500 for quite along time but as it starts to fall below 250 more
companies decide to buy permits for their groups and the rate that the spaces
drop starts to increase. Often the last 100 spaces can sell out in a day or so.
For example just because there may be 160 spaces available on the day that you
want to start the trek, by the time you find a suitable trekking company and
send them your trek deposit, it doesn't mean that there will still be 160 spaces
left! So it is highly recommended to book your Inca Trail as far in advance as
possible.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 01 CUSCO TO WAYLLABAMBA 12Km
Between 5:00-05:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel and travel by private
bus bus to Piskacuchu (2700m) which is a small community located 82 along the
railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu (also known simply as km82). Buses normally
stop at the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley for about an hour or so to
give people the opportunity to have breakfast.
Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs
steeply up from the river. After passing through the small village of Miskay,
the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the
mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). It is a simple descent down to
the Cusichaca river. From parts of this trail there are great views of the
Cordillera Urubamba and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m. You'll also get
a great view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as
Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata 2750m means 'upper town' in Quechua and was
first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural
station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas.
The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and
soldiers, including five baths.
For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small
village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. This
is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks.
DAY 02 WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAMAYO 12km
We will wake up at about 6:00 am and afetr breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba
behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek. Following the left bank of
the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to 'Tres Piedres' (three
stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. The stream is named after
the Huayruro which is an ornamental tree. It's seeds are red and black. Many of
the porters from the Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because
of their traditional red and black ponchos! A little further on you'll enter a
beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall.
A further three hours trek through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular
terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa
(3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the
trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. Once at the top
hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.
The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on
the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite
at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.
DAY 03 PACAMAYO TO WINAY WAYNA 15km
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and most interesting due to
the many Inca ruins that we will visit along the way.
From the campsite at Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of
Runkuracay (3800m). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position
overlooking the Pacamayo valley below.
Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de
Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of
the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the
steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till
the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone
embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass
you'll arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m) by way of a superbly designed stone
staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the
position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No
one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
From then on the path descends into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids,
hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca
tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.
The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers
excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and
Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most
impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the
ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used
for the ritual worship of water.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase you descend a thousand or so
steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the
day.
After about an hour of walking through cloudforest you may just be able to see
the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it probably won't
be for another 2 hours until you arrive.
Wiñay Wayna is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a
restaurant where you can purchase drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well
as hot showers ($1.5) and toilet facilities.
A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay
Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of
pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural
terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good
quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was
probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual
cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail
to Machu Picchu.
DAY 04 WINAY WAYNA TO MACHUPICCHU 5km
We'll wake early at 4.15am, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by
5.15am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by
5:30am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7:00am. The
trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloudforest before coming to an
almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku
(Sun Gate). From this point you will be able to see sunrise over Machu Picchu
which is spread out before, an unforgettable experience.
From Intipunku we will descend for about 40 minutes to Machu Picchu. When you
arrive at the ruins you'll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu
from the classic view point. Most groups wait at this point for a while so most
of your photos should be 'tourist free'. When the group is back together again
we descend to the main entrance where we will have to register and where you can
safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a
quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. With just your daypack
on the group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of
the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about 10:30 you'll have
free time to explore the ruins alone.
We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas
Calientes by 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart
every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty
of time at the ruins to climb Wayna Picchu (the mountain that you see in the
background). It takes about 1 hour to climb and 40 minutes to descend. Most
people, however, leave the ruins at about 13:30 and return to Aguas Calientes
for lunch (at the ruins there is only one restaurant and it's very expensive).
There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets.
You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel
great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs costs US$2, allow 2
hours to really enjoy them. Then we will take our train to Cusco and then
transfer to your hotel.
What is included:
Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees (value US$73)
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 3-person capacity tent with plenty of space for
your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit,
avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and
suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for
the altitude.
Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our porters and cooks
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
What is not included:
Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast
service. If not, we stop at the town of Urubamba on the way to the start on the
trek where you'll have the opportunity to have breakfast,
Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.
Extra Porter to carry your things. (US$ 120.00)
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3.50
Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$16 for the 4 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
What you need to bring/carry:
Backpack,
Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$16 for the 4 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few
dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of
clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be
bought in local pharmacies in Cusco) Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the
trek - entrance not included in price)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC
card (if claiming a student discount)
Price per person US$ 405.00 based on double occupancy tent and Expedition
tourists train from Machupicchu to Cusco.
We offer a US$ 35.00 discount to students with a valid International
Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 15 and 11months years
old. (University ID or Youth Travel cards NOT valid)
Children under 08 years old receive a US$ 65.00 discount.
Ask For Availability
Please fill out the below request form, we will contact as soon as possible generally within 24 hours (check also your junk box). If you would like to contact one of our previous customers please look at our
TESTIMONIALS PAGE