Inca Trail Treks
Sacred Valley Treks
Huaraz Treks
Preparation
Peru: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
The legendary Inca Trail takes you through the diverse wilderness of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, passing numerous Inca ruins on the magnificent stone highway before descending to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. Starts with arrival in Lima and two days visiting Cusco and surrounding sites. Overnight at a local hotel.
- Itinerary: Day 1 Cusco, Day 2 Sacred Valley, 3-4 Inca Trail, 5 Machu Picchu / Cusco
- Duration: 5 days / 5 nights
- Season: April through October
Premium Inca Trail Package
For those who enjoy trekking and definitely want to hike the Inca Trail, BUT prefer some of the finer amenities, we have added a "deluxe" option. This is the same 5-day/5-night itinerary but the trek services and the hotel accommodations are upgraded for your added comfort. Take note: the famous classic Inca Trail does not have lodges. On this trek you won't mind sleeping on the ground... after a warm shower and massage!
Groups to Join for 2008
Call us for immediate booking!
| Date to Start Inca Trail | ||
| <-JOIN |
NOTE: the Inca Trail is closed every February for cleaning, however, Machu Picchu remains open.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Sacred Valley/Llaqtapata
With your guide, you will take a private car to Km 82 on the railway to Machu Picchu. From here, you hike along the Urubamba River stopping at Q’oriwayrakina for lunch. At Km 88, cross the small bridge at Q'ente and hike to the Llaqtapata campsite. If there is time you may take a side trip to visit the archaeological remains of Qente and Machu Qente and the Llaqtapata ruins, the camp is located amidst Inca terracing. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours; Distance: 11 kms) Overnight at Llaqtapate campsite. (BLD)
 Campsite |
DAY 2: Llaqtapata/Llulluchapampa
The Inca Trail winds slowly up the Cusicacha Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the Trail ascends steeply to a large pampa (meadow) below the first pass. At this campsite there is a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the Trail up this narrow hanging valley is a rare Andean cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree. (Hiking time: 6 hours; Distance: 9 kms) Overnight at Llulluchapampa campsite. (BLD)
DAY 3:Llulluchapampa/
Phuyupatamarca
The Trail ascends at 30 degrees as it leaves Llulluchapampa campsite and beyond the treeline arrives at Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200m/13,280ft). The Inca Trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past Runkuraqay ruins. Over a low pass to Sayacmarca ("the waiting village”) the Inca Trail crosses a causeway on a now-dry lake past a cave and continues along a ridge to Phuyupatamarca ("village on the edge of the clouds"). (Hiking time: 7-8 hrs; Distance: 14 kms) Overnight at Phuyupatamarca campsite. (BLD)
 Day 2 on the Inca Trail |
DAY 4: Phuyupatamarca/Machu Picchu
After continuing along a buttress and passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flagstone trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The recently restored Inca ruins are located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest the Inca Trail arrives at Machu Picchu and the magnificent citadel, Intipunku ("door of the sun"). Shuttle to and overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. (BLD) (Optional luxury hotel available).
 Machu Picchu |
DAY 5: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The whole day is dedicated to exploring these extraordinary Inca remains with your guide, including an optional climb up Wayna Picchu, the hill overlooking the site. At mid-afternoon return to Cusco by train with your guide. Transfer to and overnight at a local hotel. Dinner on your own. (BL)
Pricing
Price per person:
2008 PRICING
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $1300 | $1165 | $1110 | $930 | $1095 | $115 |
2009 PRICING
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $1655 | $1430 | $1320 | $1170 | $1120 | $75 |
SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation by vehicle to start of the trek; Inca Trail permits; entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary; guided tour of Machu Picchu; hotel (3-star) at Aguas Calientes; transportation by train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco; hotel (3-star), including breakfast in Cusco, meals as listed in itinerary.
For the trek: Bilingual guide, porters; cook and kitchen crew; commissary gear and dining tent; meals; large two-person tent; sleeping pad; portable toilet.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Meals in the cities (lunches and dinners); alcoholic beverages; extras, tips; taxes; laundry service; additional tours; insurance; airfares (where applicable); sleeping bags; hiking boots; other personal gear.
Premium Inca Trail Package
2008 PRICING
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $2640 | $2165 | $2155 | $1720 | $345 |
2009 PRICING
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | Available upon request | Available upon request | Available upon request | Available upon request | Available upon request |
The DELUXE Inca Trail includes these added features:
- large tents - capacity 2 persons plus personal gear
- large Thermarest sleeping pad, 8 cm thick
- hot shower each day
- massage every day until arrival (Days 1, 2 & 3)
- Branton tent lanterns
- stainless steel silver ware; high quality dishes
- chef & gourmet food
- chairs with backs for dining tent
- 5-star hotel and dinner in Aguas Calientes (Day 4) and 4-star hotel in Cusco (Day 5), instead of 3-star hotels (double occupancy)
- Vistadome train return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco