A fully supported four day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (can be extended to five days). Cusco, Peru.
Suggested Itinerary - variations available
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the greatest treks in the world.
On our group treks you will find yourself walking alongside other trekkers from all over the world. You can choose to return to Cusco on Day 4 or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco on the fifth day - giving more time to explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.
To see the Inca Trail trek in full, please click here.
Inca Trail trek permits are sold on a first come, first served basis. If the Trail is full, you could try the beautiful Lares Trek or the more demanding and stunning Salkantay trek.
A brief introduction to the Trail
The Vilcabamba Range to the north of Cuzco is criss-crossed by a network of finely-engineered Inca paths linking together enigmatic ruins, (Machu Picchu being the best-known), only recently reclaimed from the Cloud Forest.
The 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu, had important ritual functions and probably served as a sacred pilgrimage route. There are many superb Inca sites along the way, suggesting access was limited to an elite. Its (and Machu Picchu's) absence from early Spanish chronicles shows that its existence was unknown during colonial times, and helps explain how it escaped destruction.
The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed. There are several species of hummingbirds that can be found along the trail, and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the high Andean birds such as striated caracaras, puna hawks, Andean kestrels, black chested buzzard eagles and sometimes Andean condors.
It is also possible to see some of the 60 species of orchid which are found in the area.
Day 1
We leave Cuzco early and drive by bus to the village of Chilca, the starting point of our trek. The journey takes us across the Pampa de Anta and on to Ollantaytambo. This town retains much Inca architecture, more perhaps than any other inhabited town. We have time to explore before continuing our journey to Chilca (2700 metres) and by mid-morning begin our trek.
Day 2
The second day features the first major ascent of the trek. We follow the Llullucha valley up to the treeless puna and on to Huarmiwanusca Pass (4200 metres). From here we descend to our camp in the Pacasmayo valley (3700 metres) or at the nearby ruins of Runkurakay.
Day 3
The third day we cross the second pass (4000 metres) and descend through lush cloud forest on a paved Inca pathway past the ruins of Sayajmarca and Conchamarca and continue to the third pass at Phuyupatamarca (camp). The views into the Urubamba gorge 1700 metres below are spectacular. The descent from this pass is steep so take care.
Day 4
On day four we make a dramatic descent along an ancient stairway to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), and feasting our eyes on the stunning Lost City of Machu Picchu spread out below. We intend to descend to the site, and explore, before dropping a further 400 metres to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes, where you can take the train back to Cusco or spend the night. Next day you have plenty of time to return to Machu Picchu and fully explore the site.
Included Services
Collection from Cusco hotel on the first morning, bus to the start of the trek, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees, English speaking guide (guide and assistant for groups of more than 10 people), tents - 2 person, sleeping mat, cooking equipment, a cook, meals (whilst on trek), dining tent, accommodation for the porters and cooks, first aid kit, bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to Aguas Calientes, tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Not Included
Breakfast on the first morning, lunch and dinner on day 4, meals on day 5 (if this option is taken) entrance ticket to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, second day entrance tickets and second day bus tickets to Machu Picchu. Note: Sleeping bags can be hired in the Cusco office.
Please note:
We recommend the hiring of a personal porter to help you carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. This will allow you to enjoy the walk even more.
Vegetarian meals available if you let us know in advance.
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