Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience and an opportunity not to be missed. It is one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages and is consistently ranked among the ten best hikes on the planet. Over four unforgettable days, you will hike through different ecological zones which house an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. These include various orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, foxes, and deer. Some lucky hikers may even catch a glimpse of the magnificent spectacled bear of South America during the trekking. Along the trek, you will have the opportunity to explore a number of breathtaking archaeological sites and farming terraces, which were left behind by the Inca Empire and remained undiscovered for over 400 years. Nothing quite compares the pinnacle of your journey; finishing the trek in Machu Picchu – one of the most majestic and spectacular places on earth.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82– LLactapata – Ayapata (14km, 8hrs) Your trekking team will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30-6: 30 am (depending on your location) and drive you to KM. 82 – arriving at approximately 8.00am. After a delicious breakfast, we will head straight to the checkpoint to begin your trekking to Machu Picchu. It’s a relatively easy two-hour walk to Patallacta; the first Inca site along the trail. From a unique, secluded location we will enjoy the breathtaking views of this ancient city. It’s then another two-hour walk to Hatunchaca – located in the heart of the Inca trail – where lunch will be waiting. We will walk for another two hours to the first campsite located in Ayapata, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm. Your tent, a snack and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and enjoy the view of the mountains before dinner. We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa tea. Today will be the most challenging part of the Machu Picchu trek and after breakfast, it’s a 4-hour trek uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4215m / 13829ft., this is the highest point along the Inca Trail. At the summit, we will take time to appreciate the serenity of this location while your guide completes a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus (local Gods). After a 2-hour downhill trek to Pacaymayu Valley, we will enjoy a well-earned lunch. The second pass is an easier 2-hours climb and we will take time to explore two Inca sites along the way; RuncuRaccay and Sayacmarca. It’s then a 20-minute walk to the second campsite at Chaquicocha (dry lake, 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you will be able to admire a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner. With an unobstructed view of the constellations, this is the perfect place to stargaze! With the hard part of the Inca Trail well and truly over, you can relax and enjoy the easiest and arguably most interesting day of the trek. Today’s route is extremely varied and it is only a 5-hour walk to the final campsite. Along the way, you will pass through a number of different ecosystems, experience the atmospheric cloud forest and observe the magnificent panoramic view of Salkantay Mountain (the second highest in Cusco). We will visit two Inca sites; Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds) with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Machu Picchu Mountain, and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). At Intipata, there will be time to rest and take in your magical surroundings. We will reach the campsite at approximately 1:00 pm to have lunch and you can then enjoy some free time to relax and unwind. Later in the afternoon, we will visit another impressive Inca site – Wiñay Wayna – where your guide will explain the history of this remarkable location. We will then return to the campsite for tea and dinner and a special surprise! On our final day of the Inca Trail, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience; visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the checkpoint and wait until it opens at 5:30 am. As the sky brightens, we will walk for an hour to the Sun Gate, taking in the stunning views along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, which is truly an unforgettable sight. We will then start our one-hour decent towards Machu Picchu, arriving at the final control point at around 7:30 am. Your guide will take you on a two-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.
TreXperience welcome you to our Cusco offices on the evening prior to your trek for a pre-departure briefing for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The briefings take place at approximately 6:00pm. TreXperience understands that many hikers may be nervous or inexperienced and so the briefing is an opportunity to meet your guide(s) who will talk you through what to expect over the coming days. Our trekking guides are very approachable and experienced so feel free to use this opportunity to ask them any questions you may have. All admission permits to the classic Inca trail trek & Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex are included. In order to obtain all relevant permits for your hike, we will require a photocopy of your passport. We kindly request you share this with the team as soon as you book your trek. TreXperience offer a door to door service in the Inca Trail tour; we will pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trek and drop off back at your hotel on the last day. All required transportation throughout the trek is included, as well as the train back from Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome train for $55 per person. In addition, TreXperience offer a complementary transfer service to and from the airport and your hotel. The TreXperience Inca Trail team are fluent English speakers and are extremely experienced professional tour guides from the local area. We provide a single guide for groups smaller than 8 people and a second guide for groups with 8 people or more. We very much enjoy sharing our extensive knowledge of local history and culture with you along the trek. All guides are proficiently trained in high mountain rescue, as well as yoga and meditation. We are committed to ensuring all clients have the best possible Trexperience! TreXperience provide the best possible equipment in the Inca Trail to all clients, as well as staff, to maximise your experience. These include; extra warm sleeping bags, thermarest camping mats, Eureka tents (4 man tents are provided for every 2 people), black diamond trekking poles and more. Our porters in the Inca Trail carry all belongings that you don’t need in your daypack up to a maximum weight of 7 kg. Additionally, our porters carry all food and equipment. You will find your tents and the campsite prepared for you on arrival so all you need to do is worry about enjoying the hike! TreXperience are proud of their highly talented trekking chefs who never fail to cook up a delightful feast despite being in the middle of the Andean Mountains! We guarantee the biggest foodies among you wont fail to be impressed. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided each day (except lunch on the final day) and the food is both delicious and plentiful. In the Inca Traill we cater for all dietary requirements so please let us know of your needs. We will keep those energy levels high with snacks each day and we make sure you have a tea / coffee every morning to wake up and every afternoon to unwind. All drinkable water along the trek – from your first lunch to your last breakfast – will be provided (you need to supply your own water bottles / camel back and we recommend carrying at least 2L). The water is boiled, filtered and cooled before it is distributed. All trekking guides have received training in first aid and high mountain rescue. In the event, a guest requires medical attention while on the trek our staff will be able to assist you. A medical kit is kept with the team at all times. In an extremely rare case of a serious medical emergency, you will be evacuated to the nearest medical centre. We are committed to ensuring your Inca Trail trip is as comfortable as possible. We therefore provide hand towels, pillows, hand sanitizer, hot water for washing, drinkable water, snacks, daypack covers and rain ponchos. All these additional comforts are included in the price of your trek. To ensure your safety and in case of an emergency, we are the first trekking company to introducing satellite phone technology. This is because during the Inca Trail we will be hiking in the mountain with no cellphone service. All taxes and permit fees associated with the Inca TrailF are included in the listed price. All hikers need a warm sleeping bag for camping during the trek. We recommend a sleeping bag that keeps you warm during temperatures as low as -10C. Air mattresses and trekking poles are optional, but recommended. If you don’t want to bring all these bulky items from home, you can rent them from us. If you are interested in any of the additional extras listed below and would like further guidance or information then please contact the Trexperience Team. We will be happy to arrange any of the below extras for you.
Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your personal backpack. Remember you will be carrying this with you everyday of the trek so we recommend you bring a good quality daypack which is both light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger backpacks can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates. During the trek will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring / rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3 kg. During the Inca Trek you will travel through different temperatures as you climb / descend, it can also be cold at night when at the campsite. Therefore layers work best!
We advise all hikers to arrive in Cusco at least two days prior to your TreXperience. This will enable you to get used to the high altitude. Those who have not had time to acclimatise may struggle with the treks. Cusco is a domestic airport only and therefore international visitors typically arrive via Lima. The easiest and fastest way to get to Cusco from Lima is to take a flight. The bus journey from Lima to Cusco is very long (approximately 20 hours). Visitors travelling to Cusco from closer cities in Peru are advised to take a bus. There are a number of companies in Peru operating very comfortable bus journeys. We advise you to book your bus journey in advance as ticket do sell out. There are many hotels locates throughout Cusco city. If you require any assistance with booking a hotel or would like some recommendations of where to stay then please do not hesitate to contact the Trexperience Team. If you have some extra time in Cusco either before or after your Trexperience then we would be happy to help you plan your time or organise excursions: Cusco is situated high up in the Andes which makes the weather very hard to forecast. In Cusco we have two seasons; the rainy season, which runs from November to March, and the dry season which is from April to October. We advise all visitors to prepare for all types of wether by carrying the following items with them at all times; a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and good rain gear. Additionally, many of our treks involve quick transfers from the cold, high mountains to warm, sub-tropical climates. Therefore layers work best! Its always better to be prepared for all weather types so you can concentrate on having the best possible experience. Cusco city is located at 3300 meters above sea level so the air is thinner here, with less oxygen than you may be used to. Some visitors experience altitude sickness, in particular when they first arrive to the city. We advise all hikers to arrive at least two days prior to their trek to give themselves time to acclimatise. Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes however are located much lower – at around 2000 meters – therefore you are less likely to suffer from altitude sickness in these locations. If you do find yourself struggling with the altitude, the following tips should help you: All our Trexperiences are designed so that they can be accomplished by trekkers of every ability. Some sections of the trek are challenging while others are much easier. Remember that nothing is impossible. Our guides are very experienced, they are used to accommodating groups of mixed abilities, and they will of course be there to help you. We advise that you exercise regularly prior to your trip and that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 days ahead of your trek to acclimatise to the altitude. We want to ensure booking with us convenient and stress free. All we require from you is your deposit and your details (name, passport number and dates of your trek). We will take care or everything. You can pay the remaining balance to us when you arrive to Cusco. All reservations with Trexperience Peru require a $200 deposit per person. However, if you opt for the deluxe package then the deposit is $500 per person. Deposits need to paid paid via PayPal. A standard 5.5% merchant fee will be incurred. Unfortunately all deposits are non-refundable as they will be used to secure your reservation by purchasing permits and entrance tickets. The number of visitors to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are limited by the government. There is a limit of 500 people per day to the Inca Trail and 2500 people per day to Machu Picchu. Additionally, train tickets, tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain all sell out well in advance. In high seasons hotels may also sell out. We therefore recommend you book your trek as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. We are always here to help if you require any support. If you renew your passport between booking your trek and travelling to Peru then please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will be able to assist you. Don’t forget to send a photocopy of both your passports to info@trexperienceperu.com and bring both passports when you travel. Trexperience will provide a personal porter for your belongings (up to a maximum of 7 kg in weight). You will be provided with a duffel bag at the briefing (on the night prior to your trek) in which you can pack all your belongings the night before. Please remember this duffel bag also needs to contain your sleeping bag and air mattress. All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small, light daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. so you can relax and enjoy the journey! Our porters also carry all the equipment and food required for the trek. The porters will reach the lunch locations and campsites ahead of you and set everything up so its ready for your arrival! During the trek you do not need to be concerned about where to store your luggage. If you cannot store it at your hotel then Trexperience are happy to look after it for you. Just have your bags ready and clearly identifiable on the morning of your trek, we will keep them safe and return them to you at the end of your Trexperience when we drop you off at your hotel. If you have a valid university student card or you are under the age of 17 at the time of your trek then you are entitled to a discount of $35. All you need to do is send us a photocopy of your card when making your booking. At Trexperience we have introduced the latest and finest Porta-potty toilets and hot showers on all our tours to maximize your trekking experience. Trexperience are proud of their highly talented chefs who never fail to cook up a delightful feast despite being in the middle of the Andean Mountains! All chefs specialise in Andean cuisine and are able to cater for all dietary requirements so please let us know in advance of your of your needs. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided each day (except lunch on the final day) and the food is both delicious and plentiful.We guarantee the biggest foodies among you wont fail to be impressed. We will keep those energy levels high with snacks each day and we make sure you have a tea / coffee every morning to wake up and every afternoon to unwind. Trexperience will provide all the water you need from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water is boiled, filtered and cooled and so it is perfectly safe to drink. You will need to bring water storage with you – either a camel bag or water bottle(s) – big enough for at least two liters of water. We also ask that you start your trek on the very first morning with your containers full of drinking water so you have enough water to last you until lunchtime. This is because the porters do not have enough time to get to the first breakfast site ahead of you and prepare the drinking water. We understand that many visitors to Cusco will be travelling elsewhere both in Peru and beyond and so packing bulky, heavy items can be inconvenient. We would be able to assist you with acquiring all the items you need for your trek including sleeping bags, trekking poles, air mattresses, hiking shoes and rain gear. As always, please let us know in advance of your needs. You may require some additional vaccinations before travelling to Peru. Please don’t forget to consult with your doctor well in advance of your trip so they can advise you.
We are a 100% local tour operator and our aim is to maximize the positive effects of tourism on local communities and the environment. We do this by hiring local staff (including porters, chefs, guides, suppliers) and involving them in a sustainable business model that benefits everyone. Additionally, we organize activities that support the development of local communities and promote environmental conservation. These include cultural exchanges, volunteering, direct donations and clean up campaigns. Our philosophy is that we “leave no trace” in every single place that we visit, and we encourage each and every one of our staff, guides, and guests follow these principles to preserve these magical places. Collectively our team has a wealth of experience of working in the tourism industry. Therefore we understand that to ensure 100% guest satisfaction, it is essential to take a good care of your workers, who will in turn take good care of your customers. During your hike we will provide you with the best tour guides and chefs, but it is the porters who are more often that are forgotten. Porters are the backbone of this business and for so many years we have been fighting for their better treatment and better working conditions. This is a personal battle since I – the founder of Trexperience Peru – started out as a porter and my father was a porter before me. Working as a porter on the Inca Trail helped me to study, travel around the world, and start my own company. Therefore, Trexperience Peru pledges a number of commitments to our porters: We are extremely proud to work with local communities and to help protect the environment; we love the places we visit and are dedicated to preserving them. To ensure this, Trexperience has partnered with other companies to build a GREENHOUSE in the community of Parompampa; located 2 hours from Cusco. Here we are growing vegetables and native trees and we encourage you to come and visit us! We grow the following vegetables in our greenhouse. We then invite members from local villages to take one of each and plant them back in their communities. We will also provide them with some basic farming training to ensure it is a successful and sustainable program. When you plant a new tree, you create new life. Trees help to remove carbon dioxide from the environment, attract native birds and help to maintain a clean water supply. We are working extremely hard to grow new trees that will later be donated to local communities. We will also organize a group of volunteers to go and plant them. We have opened a library in the community of Cachiccata in Ollantaytambo. This village has approximately 80 families, all of which work in agriculture. Until recently, the children at the local school had no access to a library, a computer, or to the internet. In partnership with other companies and with help from sponsors and charitable donations, Trexperience donated the following facilities to help the school: · Two shelves full of text books for all grades · Two computers and a laptop with full internet access · A printer · New tables and chairs Although this a small project, it will have a huge impact on the children of Cachiccata school who will now have access to the resources they need for a quality education and a bright future. You can always help this cause by booking a tour with Trexperience, by visiting the community to make a donation directly or even volunteering during your free time. As a new and unique company we offer a personalized service to all our passengers throughout each and every one of our tours. Our tour guides are selected for their extensive experience, training, responsibility and professionalism in order to show off our beautiful country and share their unique experiences. They have guided hundreds of tours and speak fluent English and Quechua – the native Inca language – allowing them to communicate with both guests and local villagers. We have taken on board the feedback from our previous guests who were uncomfortable with the public toilets along the Inca Trail and are introducing our latest Alternative Porta-potty toilets and hot showers. These facilities are available on all our tours. The safety and security is our absolute top priority. We have an excellent record in terms of safety throughout the operation of all our treks. Our team of professional guides have undertaken training with the AHA (American Heart Association) as well as NOLS Wilderness medicine. Guides will carry a first aid kit for basic medical problems and oxygen with them at all times. They are very experienced in dealing with common issues associated with the altitude or the environment and know how to make you feel better. In the extremely rare case that something unexpected happens and you no longer feel you can complete the trek, your guide will figure out the safest and quickest way to get you to the nearest clinic. You will never be left alone and you will have a member of the team to escort you every step of the way until you are safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling comfortably by train. TREXPERIENCE only operates with the highest quality equipment to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible, these include:
Overview
DAY BY DAY SUMMARY OF THE TREK
Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runcuraccay – Chaquicocha (16km, 10 hrs)
Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna (10km, 6hrs)
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu – Cusco (6km, 2 hrs)HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
PRICE PER PERSON
USD$ 640 ( Daily departures) – See 2019 availability
Full Itinerary
TREKKING DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – AYAPATA
TREKKING DAY 2: AYAPATA – WARMIWAÑUSKA– RUNCURACCAY – CHAQUICOCHA
TREKKING DAY 3: CHAQUICCOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA
TREKKING DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU
What's Included?
INCLUDED
Pre-departure briefing
Permits
Transportation
Experienced tour guides
Camping equipment
Porters
Food
Water
Medical kit
Extras
Satellite phones
Taxes and fees
NOT INCLUDED
ADDITONAL EXTRAS FOR THE INCA TRAIL
Packing List
ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:
FOR YOUR DAYPACKS:
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR YOUR DUFFEL BAGS:
Important Info
ARRIVING IN CUSCO
PLANNING YOUR TIME IN CUSCO
WEATHER IN CUSCO
ALTITUDE SICKNESS OR “SOROCHE”
HOW DIFFICULT ARE THE TREKS?
BOOKING WITH TREXPERIENCE
RESTRICTIONS ON THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS?
LUGGAGE STORAGE
WHO GETS A DISCOUNT?
TOILETS / SHOWERS DURING THE TREK
CATERING
WATER
PACKING BULKY ITEMS
VACCINATIONS
Why Us?
WHY CHOOSE TREXPERIENCE
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
BETTER TREATMENT TO OUR PORTERS
What we do:
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT AND PROJECTS
Vegetables:
Native trees:
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL PROJECTS
As a company that cares deeply about the communities we serve, TREXPERIENCE takes pride in supporting our brothers and sisters throughout the Andean communities; a region that holds a special place in our hearts. We make a special effort to ensure our tours are conducted in a way that supports local residents and communities, provide donations to local schools and involve local brothers in our industry. Above all, we are dedicated to creating something unique and permanent, which allows us to play an active role in the development of our communities.
What we Provide:
BEST TOUR GUIDES
ALTERNATIVE PORTA-POTTY TOILET AND HOT SHOWER IN OUR TOURS:
SAFETY AND SECURITY
OUR EQUIPMENT
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